UA’s Formula Electric Team participated in their first ever competition at SAE Formula North in Barrie, Ontario. The event requires a collegiate team to design, construct, and run an electric powered vehicle. Similar to the Formula Combustion car, the Formula E vehicle must have high performance in terms of acceleration, braking, and handling capabilities. The 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.
The biggest difference – the Formula Electric car runs on 432 lithium-ion batteries.
Top Row: Nick Crane, Andrew Penlington, Adam Kuhar, Dr. Daniel Deckler, Marcus Caddiell, David Streen, Adam Long, Dalal Almahd, Elena Falcione, Corey Pruchnik, Natalie Allen. Bottom Row: Matt Evans, Sean Sheridan
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 their first try and went on to compete in each of the dynamic events including acceleration, skid pad, and autocross. Thirteen teams from around the country competed. UA’s Formula Electric team placed 6th overall, including placing 7th in design and 7th in cost.
“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.” says Dr. Daniel Deckler, 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 SAE Formula Lincoln on June 19.