On July 20, 2025, the final round of The International Smart EV Racing 2025 took place at the Maker Space of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), wrapping up the competition in a vibrant atmosphere filled with thrilling and impressive performances.
The competition was organized by the Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering in collaboration with the Office of Science and Technology and the Faculty of International Education, with valuable support from various enterprises, alumni, and individuals, including: FPT Software Co., Ltd., Xe Solutions JSC, Titan English Center, Indruino Engineering Solutions, HCMUTE Vehicle Engineering Alumni Association, Manh Toan Phat Co., Ltd., and Viet Tire Company.
Final Round of The International Smart EV Racing 2025
This year’s event attracted 80 teams with nearly 400 students from more than 10 universities and colleges across Vietnam and Thailand, demonstrating the widespread appeal of the competition among technology enthusiasts. After three rigorous technical evaluation rounds, 35 teams competed in the preliminary round on July 13, 2025, from which 19 outstanding teams advanced to the finals. Notably, this year’s competition expanded its regional scale with the participation of a team from Thailand, providing students with opportunities for exchange, learning, and international competition.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Van Long Giang – Dean of the Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering – emphasized:
“This is not merely a competition. Smart EV Racing is an educational model that integrates theory with practice. Students directly apply knowledge in mechatronics, sensors, image processing, automation, and AI – the core foundations of future autonomous vehicles.”
A Unique Technical Challenge
A highlight of this year’s competition was the “autonomous driving” challenge, where model vehicles had to operate entirely via sensors and real-time image processing, with no human intervention. Teams were required to program their vehicles to analyze the environment, detect obstacles, and make optimal decisions – showcasing their skills in embedded programming, hardware design, algorithm development, and creativity.
Professor Pracha from RMUTL, Thailand, shared that the reason for joining the competition was to provide students with practical experience and new knowledge. As the team’s mentor, he noted that the event was a great opportunity for cross-cultural learning and connection. He praised the hospitality of Vietnamese teams and expressed his hope for future student exchange programs between Thai and Vietnamese universities. He also commended the organizers for their strong support and HCMUTE’s modern facilities.
Championship for Team Lightning from HCMUTE
Team Lightning from HCMUTE won First Prize with an impressive performance in both technical execution and control strategy. Speaking after their victory, a team representative said:
“We feel very happy and proud to win First Prize. This achievement is thanks to the dedicated support from our professors throughout the preparation and competition. It was a valuable opportunity to compete with strong teams, especially the international team from Thailand. Competing in such an environment gave us practical experience and a chance to apply what we’ve learned at university.”
Recognition and Vision
The triumph of Lightning HCMUTE was not only a result of hard work and teamwork but also a testament to the university’s consistent support and encouragement.
At the award ceremony, Mr.Duong Nguyen Hac Lan – representing the Jury Panel – remarked that the models showcased during the competition reflected not only students’ academic capabilities but also the potential for near-future technological product development.
The International Smart EV Racing 2025 was more than just a tech competition – it was a comprehensive platform for students to develop technical skills, soft skills, and global integration. The event contributes to the advancement of the electric and autonomous vehicle industry, aligning with the global trend toward clean energy and green technology for sustainable development.
