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For the EcoCAR 2 collegiate engineering competition, The University of Tennessee is modifying a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco from a mild hybrid into a series-parallel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. For this design, the team is exchanging the engine for one that is E85 compatible, slightly separating the engine and transmission, and coupling an electric generator to the engine. In the rear of the vehicle, a modified all-wheel drive subframe will be implemented. This subframe will house a traction motor and a single gear electric drive transmission. A custom fuel tank and fuel system will be constructed for the vehicle, in order to use E85 fuel. Furthermore, an energy storage system will be placed in the rear of the vehicle, in the trunk and spare tire space. Modifications for the packaging must be made and analysis must be performed to validate the structural integrity of all modifications.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's (UTK) EcoCAR 2 team developed a Series-Parallel Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that utilizes E85 fuel. The vehicle was developed and modeled in Year One of the EcoCAR 2 competition. The team has spent Year Two refining the theoretical design from Year One and implementing the design into a working mule vehicle. The developed architecture has been integrated into a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, which was donated by General Motors. The team focused on strengthening the replacement and modified components, integrating the new vehicle components, bench testing the vehicle controller and implementing the entire design into a working vehicle.