Using chemical reactions, teams will both control and power their car to travel a specific distance in the nerdy equivalent of bocce ball. Each team will have two attempts to get as close to the distance as possible. Before competing, teams must present a poster describing the reactions used and the additional safety considerations.

Chem-E-Car

Schedule

Chem-E-Car Poster Session: Saturday 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Competition Preparation: Sunday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Competition: Sunday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

In-depth Schedule

Awards

First Place: $200

Second Place: $100

Top 5 teams will progress to Nationals

Awards sponsored by Chevron

Watch the Competition Again

Runs start at approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes Alt Link

How to get your chemicals here

To alleviate the pain and annoyance of transporting chemicals to Virginia (and because 49 USC 5101 exists), we will be receiving shipped reagents for all teams starting April 10th. The last day we are accepting chemicals will be April 20th. Please coordinate with your school’s EHS team prior to shipment as all leaking packages will be disposed of immediately upon arrival. We plan to only notify teams that a package has arrived, not check the contents. At no time will VT Chem-E-Car members be involved in this process. More details to follow.

Example Shipping Label
Check if we received your Package

What is Chem-E-Car?

Not sure what Chem-E-Car is? Watch this video to see a full run!

Deadline: March 18th, 11:59PM

Step 1 - Register Your Team

Register!

Deadline: March 18th, 11:59PM

Please ensure that you are using the 2023 EDP template.

Step 2 - Submit Your EDP

National EDP Submission

Deadline: April 22nd

Certificates should have a completion date of after January 1st 2022

Step 3 - Training

Please note, teams may initially register without the EDP, but the EDP is due by March 18th for a complete registration. Your EDP must be submitted to National AIChE by this deadline.

Chem-E-Car Training

Students

Safety Training

Advisors

Safety Training

Judges

Judge Training

Helpful Files

Official Rules
Safety Rules
EDP Template
Management of Change
Safety Checklist
Logistics
Venue Safety Plan
Distance Randomizer

 Chem-E-Car FAQs

  • Teams will be allowed to begin setting up by 10:00am. Distance and team order will be announced by 11:00am. The first team will run promptly at 12:00pm. Between rounds, there will be a 15 minute break.
    Due to limited electrical outlet availability at the competition venue, stir plates and scales will be provided for teams to share in a designated corner of the preparation area. Acetone, DI water, and ice will also be provided.

  • Please mark the selection in the Google Form for Chem-E-Car registration and we will be in touch.

  • Virginia Tech does not handle EDP submission feedback. Please contact either AICHE Chem-E-Car or the contact provided in your feedback.

  • As a safety-first campus, we are responsible for coordinating all chemicals located on the premises for the competition with Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety. Additionally, please be aware of federal guidelines regarding the transportation of chemicals.
    Chemicals must be shipped to arrive between April 10-20. We cannot guarantee chemicals shipped outside of this range will be available for teams to use.
    Virginia Tech is not responsible for the condition of the chemicals received and will immediately dispose of packages leaking substances or with broken glassware. Please work with your university EHS for safe shipping!

  • We will be checking chemical shipments each business day. Please allow two business days after stated delivery for receiving confirmation to process.