Bridging the gap between the classroom and the finish line.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the future of automotive engineering takes center stage as Vital Link proudly hosts its 17th Annual Electric Vehicle
(EV) Challenge. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saddleback College ATEP in Tustin, 32 teams from 10 districts and 13 schools in Orange County and the Los Angeles area will compete. These students are ready to put their custom-built, energy-efficient vehicles to the ultimate test.
The EV Challenge (formerly known as the Energy Invitational Competition) is the culmination of a year’s worth of rigorous design and construction. Utilizing principles of electrical engineering, aerodynamics, and physics, these student teams have built operational prototypes from the ground up or meticulously modified existing vehicles to push the limits of sustainable technology.
A Day of Innovation and High-Speed Competition
The event kicks off with the Innovation Expo, a unique opportunity for attendees to meet the student engineers. Guests can walk through the pits as teams explain the complex design and construction processes behind their creations.
The excitement shifts into high gear at 10:30 a.m. with the start of the timed-trial races. Across four high-speed heats, these student-piloted vehicles will compete head-to-head to prove which design reigns supreme in both speed and energy efficiency.
"The EV Challenge is more than a race; it's a showcase of what happens when young minds are given the tools to innovate," says the Vital Link team. "These students aren't just building cars, they’re building their future careers in engineering and technology."
Community, Networking, and Support
The event extends well beyond the race, offering a vibrant festival atmosphere where students can network directly with industry judges and sponsors. These interactions build professional bridges that last long after the final lap.
Get Involved: Judging, Volunteering, and Sponsorship
Vital Link invites local businesses, industry professionals, and community members to support the next generation of creators. Opportunities include:
- Judging: Evaluate vehicles for race-readiness, innovation, and performance.
- Volunteering: Assist with event logistics, including parking, check-in, and point tracking.
- Sponsorship: Provide critical financial support for specific student teams or the event as a whole.
Admission to the EV challenge is free, so we hope to see you there!
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Dennis at dennis@vitallink.org for more information on how to participate.
About Vital Link
Vital Link is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preparing students for future careers through experiential, hands-on learning. Since 2012, Vital Link has partnered with Orange County & LA County high schools to host the Electric Vehicle Challenge, empowering students to explore the frontiers of engineering, technology, and science. By bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world, Vital Link inspires the next generation of innovators.
See our website for more www.vitallink.org
For all inquiries regarding the EV Challenge, please contact Dennis at dennis@vitallink.org. Read more.
