ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico middle school students will once again experience the thrill of building their own electric cars as part of the annual New Mexico Electric Car Challenge. This year, they will also get to explore the world of artificial intelligence.
Sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, the annual event encourages students to push their creativity to the limit while embracing science, technology, engineering and math to design and build an electric car that can travel the fastest while carrying a payload.
The contest provides a fun way for teachers to inspire students and for Sandia employees to share their expertise with inquisitive students.
This year’s challenge adds a new dimension by inviting students to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.
Participants can investigate and compare the energy consumption of electric vehicles and AI models, such as ChatGPT, along with the data centers that support them.
“By participating, students will not only deepen their understanding of these technologies but also contribute to the presidential AI challenge,” said Deb Menke, Sandia’s K-12 STEM program manager. “This new element aims to inspire innovation and address real world issues through AI solutions.”
Artificial intelligence experts from Sandia will also demonstrate machine learning, virtual reality capabilities and other exciting projects happening at the Labs.
Media are invited to attend and interview teams.
When: Nov. 15, 2025, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
8:30 – 11:40 a.m.: Preliminary race and presentation rounds
1:30 – 2:15 p.m.: Final race rounds
2:30 – 3 p.m.: Awards ceremony
Where: Kennedy Middle School, 721 Tomasita NE, Albuquerque, N.M., 87123
Sandia news media contact: Kim Quintana, kdquint@sandia.gov, 505-537-3294