The University of Akron’s (UA) formula electric race car student design team, Zips Electric Racing, participated in its first competition at Formula SAE North in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. The event, held May 30 to June 2, required a collegiate team to design, construct, and run an electric-powered vehicle.
Similar to UA’s formula combustion race car, the formula electric vehicle must have high performance in terms of acceleration, braking, and handling capabilities. But the difference is the formula electric car runs on 432 lithium-ion batteries.
The race car must also be aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and easy to maintain. With the same considerations as any engineering business, the students must also evaluate cost, manufacturing capabilities, and reliability of the race car.
Prior to competition, teams are responsible for passing a series of tech inspections to make sure the vehicle is fit to compete. UA’s team passed all inspections on the first attempt and went on to compete in each of the dynamic events including acceleration, skid pad, and autocross. Thirteen teams from around the country competed. Zips Electric Racing placed sixth overall, including placing seventh in the design and cost categories.
“It is a huge accomplishment for a first-year team to place this high in design. Judges and other teams were amazed that these students could do what they did in only nine months and with so few team members,” said Daniel Deckler, Ph.D., the team’s faculty advisor. “I am extremely proud of their accomplishments. I am confident this is the beginning of a new future where The University of Akron’s Formula E Team will be the team to beat!”
The 20-member team is preparing for their next competition at Formula SAE Lincoln at Lincoln Airpark in Nebraska on June 19.
