Students from ETH Zurich break electric car acceleration record

The engineering students of the ETH Zurich and Lucerne University did its first test of its all-electric Formula Student race car. During its test, the car reached a speed of 100 km/h in just 1.513 seconds, breaking the world record of 1.779 seconds.

The car was able to achieve this with the use of carbon fiber materials, keeping the car light at 168 kilograms. It also features four self-developed wheel hub motors transferring 200 hp of power to the tarmac via four-wheel drive technology. The team is supported by BMW and has been providing financial and engineering assistance to the team from the start. Last year, ETH Zurich ranked second overall in the Formula Student series.

“In the Formula Student, students are able to apply knowledge gained from their studies to everyday practice in a unique way. In the process, social and key competences as well as practical know-how and business expertise are acquired and deepened. As a result, we are able to help young engineers attain important qualifications and enjoy themselves doing it.“ said Oliver Ferschke, head of BMW Group Human Resources Marketing.

Apart from ETH Zurich, BMW also supports Munich University's municHMotorsport and TU Dresden's elbflorace. Formula Student Germany will be taking place in the Hockenheimring from 8 to 14 August 2016. The three teams will be up against 115 other universities from over 25 nations. Of the 115 cars universities competing, 40 will enter the EV category. Performance is not just the criteria being judged in Formula Student Germany. To win the competition, design, cost budgeting and the business model must also convince the jury of experts from industry and commerce.