http://www.theengineer.co.uk/sectors/automotive/news/uk-engineers-launch-build-it-yourself-electric-race-car/1015668.article [image] UK engineers launch build-it-yourself electric race car By Jon Excell 1 Mar 2013
[image http://www.theengineer.co.uk/pictures/600x328fitpad%5B76%5D/1/4/6/2041146_image002.jpg iRacer ] Engineers from Birmingham City University and West Midlands automotive firm Westfield Sportscars have joined forces to develop what is claimed to be the world’s first self-build electric racing car kit. In development since 2008, and launched at a time when interest in low carbon racing is growing significantly, the iRacer, which can be purchased for around £14k, enables the construction of a vehicle that can operate in a hybrid, pure electric or pure internal combustion engine modes. The purchase price does not include the powertrain (ie electric motors, battery unit or an engine). Aimed at members of the public as well as students and school-kids, the kit has been inspired by the popular Formula Student competition, which has become a valuable testing ground for the next generation of engineers. The product is the result of a wider collaboration between the University and Westfield, and though the iRacer is being sold as a product it’s viewed by the two partners as a live platform for continuous research, development and innovation in a number of areas, including weight and emissions reduction, and new types of battery technology. The Birmingham City University team is also currently developing technologies that will enable mobile phones and tablet PCs to be used as driver display units. Parmjit Chima, head of the university’s School of Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Systems at Birmingham City University, said, ‘The partnership will benefit students by developing a pipeline of valuable technical and employability skills, working on industry-led projects at the cutting edge of hybrid vehicle and full electric technology to aid the environmental agenda of reducing carbon emission.’ [© 2012 Centaur Media] http://www.evcup.com/cars/westfield Sports EV Series - Featuring the Westfield iRACER The iRACER is a track focused electric vehicle, designed and engineered from the ground up as a pure race car... - Twin motor, direct drive to the rear wheels with adjustable torque biasing control - Digital dash on steering wheel with multifunctional display - 1 and 2 seat configuration The iRACER is the result of a collaborative project between Westfield Sportscars, and Niche Vehicle Network partners Potenza Technology, Delta Motorsport, RDM Automotive, and Coventry University. Funded through an Advantage West Midlands programme, the vehicle has been styled by upcoming designer Elliott Hawkins from the Royal College of Arts. Since 1983, Westfield Sportscars continue to manufacture innovative sports cars which lead the niche and component build markets, combining technology, design and passion. Now part of Potenza Sports Cars Limited, a company with the vision: to be the first choice sportscar provider and one of the world's most admired niche vehicle manufacturers, this family investment company continue to invest and develop the expansion of the business. Visit Westfield at: www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk [© EVCUP] http://www.itv.com/news/central/update/2013-03-07/worlds-first-diy-electric-car-comes-to-the-midlands/ [video] World's first electric kit car comes to the Midlands 7 Mar 2013 [video http://vimeo.com/61279981 Electric car, full report from ITV Central PRO / via ITN Uploader ] Electric cars are becoming more familiar on our streets. But what about one you can build yourself and race at 130 miles per hour, or more? What is thought to be the world's first electric kit car is now being produced in the Midlands. And as our Transport Correspondent Keith Wilkinson reports, it is very different to the petrol version. [© 2013 ITV] For all EVLN posts use: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=search_page&node=413529&query=evln&sort=date Here are today's archive-only EV posts: EVLN: EVSE-overcrowing replaces range-angst EVLN: An AZ Electric-car tax is: absurd, needed EVLN: Humshaugh village gets new electric wheels (video) EVLN: GM Spark EV set for US launch summer 2014 + EVLN: LVEVA exhibit Electric Rat-Rod trike, 65' Mustang & DeLorean EVs {brucedp.150m.com} -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/EVLN-Westfield-iRacer-DIY-Electric-racing-kit-car-video-tp4661754.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
