About This Project

Carnegie Mellon Racing is the student chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers at Carnegie Mellon University. We provide a unique opportunity to learn and apply skills beyond the scope of the classroom as we design and fabricate an electric racing vehicle to compete in the international Formula SAE Electric competition. Currently we are in development of an electric powertrain that promises to achieve the highest level of vehicle performance available through comprehensive control algorithms and splitting-edge electronics technology like torque vectoring and regenerative braking. With our team’s conversion to the electric car competition, the capital cost of certain components, like the motors, motor controllers, and batteries has greatly increased without the opportunity of equipment donation. To achieve the highest level of performance and to continue advancing the field of automotive electronics, these components must be purchased at a high cost.

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What is the context of this research?

Our goal is to engineer the fastest and most efficient, fully electric race car that will win the 2014 international Formula SAE Electric competition.

We aim to finish design by October and begin wiring in January for an accelerated production schedule that will give us the most testing time and the safest vehicle possible. All this will be in addition to building upon our electrical system design knowledge, and furthering the field of electronic vehicles.

What is the significance of this project?

Carnegie Mellon Racing is joining the push for a greener and healthier environment. Our team understands the benefits electric vehicles possess over traditional combustion engines and are excited to undertake the challenges of designing and fabricating an electric open wheeled racing vehicle. As electric vehicles are becoming a more common and fashionable choice as a consumer car, the research we do this year will not only help us pursue our efforts to build a winning vehicle, but has the potential to carry on into commercial applications and improve the automotive industry.

What are the goals of the project?

Although we have nearly completed the electrical system design, purchasing the primary components remains CMR's largest obstacle. The funding we obtain will be used directly towards the purchase of our electric powertrain capital equipment, including two electric motors, two motor controllers, and our LiFePO4 batteries.

This will allow us to continue developing our production quality integrated system, along with our software differential and torque vectoring. With the proper equipment, we can achieve superior vehicle performance and elevate the electric vehicle industry.