Posted on Friday, August 28, 2026
LaGrange College is launching a new era of innovative competition in 2027, becoming the second collegiate team to represent itself in the GreenpowerUSA electric vehicle racing program thanks to a corporate gift from Diverse Power and the Smith family.
The program gives students the opportunity to design, build, modify and race electric vehicles while working within defined engineering and competition requirements.
“This is made possible through Diverse Power’s generous donation of a GreenpowerUSA F24 electric vehicle kit,” said Laurinda MacKinnon, Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program Coordinator. “We expect to receive the kit by Christmas, with plans to build in January 2027. It’s a great fit for the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program because it gives students the chance to take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it to a real vehicle, from engineering and construction to testing, racing and making data driven improvements.”
By building and racing the vehicle, students will gain hands-on experience in manufacturing, engineering design, mechanical and electrical systems, design improvement, vehicle testing, data analysis and project management. Additionally, they will be developing teamwork and communication skills, MacKinnon noted, as they also promote and market the competitions.
“Instead of simply studying engineering and manufacturing concepts, students will work together to solve real-world engineering challenges and then see their decisions come to life on the racetrack,” she said.
The college’s inaugural season will provide an opportunity not only to establish a new hands-on engineering and manufacturing program, but potentially to compete for a national championship. LaGrange will become only the second GreenpowerUSA F24+ higher education division team in the nation, alongside Auburn University.
LC is expected to run three to five races in the spring, culminating with the GreenpowerUSA National Championship.
Greenpower has already been established in the area through GreenpowerTroup and the Troup County School System, spanning the elementary, middle and high schools. Students in Troup County participate in GreenpowerUSA Goblin and F24 competitions, creating a local pipeline of students who have experience designing, building, testing and racing electric vehicles before reaching college.
“LaGrange College’s F24+ program creates an opportunity to extend that pathway into higher education and gives local students an additional reason to view engineering, manufacturing and related STEM fields as potential college and career pathways,” MacKinnon said.
Key 2027 events to watch:
Category: Events, College, Academics, Community
Keywords: Greenpower USA, Greenpower, electric vehicles, MET, mechanical engineering, automotive, racing, competition, engineering, manufacturing engineering technology, academia, higher education
