Team Bath Racing Electric recently took the wraps off its entry for this year’s Formula Student contest which takes place at Silverstone 14th July and will see up to 150 teams from universities across Europe test their own design and build race car for reliability and performance.
The Bath University Electric Team was newly formed just six months ago and has fast-tracked its initial car build completing the project that regularly takes new teams 18 months to achieve. Thanks to the provision of an existing rolling chassis from the established Internal Combustion engine team at Bath, the newly assembled Electric Team has succeeded in their ambition to get the car to the start line for this year’s event.
“Thanks to the support of our industrial sponsors, the hard work of every member of the team and the encouragement of our head of department, we have actually achieved a small miracle in getting this chassis mobile in six months,” says Alex Keane, team leader.
“We have kept to a simple design plan all the way through. It has been a challenge to understand the rules and regulations of Formula Student and to build the motor, control systems and power pack into the car but we have run it across the car park and hope to be the first Electric Team for several years to get through scrutineering where the inspectors check that we comply and that the car is safe to race.”
Team Bath Racing Electric has received support from many specialists in the EV industry and related support suppliers. Makita provided a comprehensive inventory of lithium-Ion powered cordless tools to help the car build program. “We have received great support from many high tech companies,” reports Guy Barkley, leader of the business sector in the team.
“Without this level of practical support in terms of materials, components and products such as these excellent Makita tools, we would not have achieved this outstanding target. Now Team Bath Racing Electric is in good shape for the future and the new members coming into the team for the next season can advance the design-and-build program to hopefully have a winning car for 2017.”
The plans for the second generation car are to move to a twin motor power system with electronic differential, lithium-ion battery pack and new chassis. Head of the Electrical Engineering faculty at Bath University, Dr Adrian Evans, is full of praise for the achievements of Team Bath Electric.
“This was a new team formed here with high ambitions and seemingly not enough time to be ready for Silverstone but by sheer hard work, good program management and great support from all sides they have reached the start line.
“The group will expand for the second season with more people working on an even more ambitious design so we are proud of Team Bath Electrical Engineering students and wish them well for the future.”
To keep up to date with the latest news, follow Team Bath Racing Electric on Twitter @TeamBathRacingE
