Students at the University of Stuttgart have set a new record in acceleration of 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph).
Participants from Green Team Formula Student were able to sprint from a standing stop to 100 km/h (62 miles per hour) in just 1.779 seconds. This beats the previous record of 0.006 seconds. This amazing feat was possible with an all-wheel-drive fully electric vehicle of 136 PS (100kW) designed for Formula Student competitions.
Four electric motors drive the machine, along with a 6.62-kWh lithium-ion battery. The machine weighs 160 kg, and has a power to weight ratio of 1.6 kg/kW. For comparison, the Bugatti Super Sport has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.08 kg/kW while the Porsche 918 Spyder has 2.5 kg/kW.
This record is not yet official as Guinness World Records will confirm it in the coming weeks.
The University of Stuttgart
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is an official sponsor of University of Stuttgart’s GreenTeam. They provide seals and expertise to potential engineers for their e-powered race car. Students in the GreenTeam build their own race cars, and take part in the Formula Student competition.
GreenTeam Success
Florian Froehlich from GreenTeam Uni Stuttgart e.V. says, “In our GreenTeam Project, over 60 students cooperate to build an e powered race car that is driven in international competitions.” “We have a long and successful history. Since 2010, our team has been among the top 10 in the World Ranking List of Electric Formula Student Racecars.
Florian says, “But without sponsors and support these successes can’t be realized.” The exchange of knowledge and experience with industry and business is what makes us successful. These partnerships have provided our future engineers, computer scientists, and business economists with tremendous innovation power. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is a solid partner who can help us with our knowledge on sealing technology for emobility applications.
Unusual challenges for e-race cars
The electrification of race cars presents unique challenges. GreenTeam students study topics such as control engineering, power electronics, and driving dynamics. The Stuttgart GreenTeam designed, developed and produced the electric motor that was used in this race car’s debut year. The car’s heart is an oil cooling system that cools the batteries. Every cell in the system works in oil.
“Motorsport presents high technical requirements, especially on seals,” states Julian Feucht (Sales Engineer Automotive Hub Europe, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany). The oil used in thermal management of the battery means that seals must meet very strict requirements. These are the guidelines that Formula Student contestants must follow. A leakage in the battery or drive train is extremely dangerous due to the GreenTeam’s 600 Volt technology.
The winning team
The GreenTeam was a success this year! Their race car won first place in the Acceleration category at the Hockenheimring Formula Student Competition.
Julian Feucht says, “We are excited about the GreenTeam” and is impressed by the students’ performance and expertise. We discovered that high acceleration rates can cause the electric motor to reach critical temperatures during our partnership. Superior cooling can allow for significantly higher speeds. This challenge may be met by the team’s new HiSpin(r), seals for e–Mobility. We are already looking forward for the next racing season.”