Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are a central focus of SAE Detroit Section's K-12 programs. This competition provides an opportunity for high school students to build a mini-vehicle and compete with other schools for cash awards.

Teachers can prepare for this competition as an after-school activity or part of a classroom curriculum.

Award categories:
Overall Winning School - accumulated total points per school for Performance and Design events
Performance - multi-heat, double elimination head-to-head race
Design - written paper and an oral presentation

Overall Winning School
1st Place - $2,000 
2nd Place - $1,500 
3rd Place - $1,000 

Performance (Top Three Teams)
Non-Capacitor Classes
1st Place - $200 
2nd Place - $150 
3rd Place - $100
Capacitor
1st Place - $200
2nd Place - $150 
3rd Place - $100

Design (Top Three Teams)
1st Place - $200
2nd Place - $150 
3rd Place - $100 

2026 Micro-Electric Vehicle Competition Rules

Click here for 2025 winners

Micro-Electric Vehicle Competition Video

For more information, email events@sae-detroit.org or call (248) 324-4445 ext. 1.

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