University of Nottingham Racing Team (UoNRT) is the University of Nottingham's student-run electric vehicle team. The team comprises two sub teams, namely Formula Student and Solar Challenge. The University of Nottingham also used to compete in the e-bike area, with its Power Electronics Machines and Control Research Group (PEMC) from the Faculty of Engineering.[1][2] Working on new technologies they were awarded "best" EV at Formula Student UK 2021. The teams are currently developing a "Lighter, more efficient Formula Student car" and a 2-seater Solar Challenge car "designed around upcycled EV systems". The team relies on external sponsors to fund the development, manufacture and testing of the vehicle.[3]
Together, the two sub teams are made up of approximately 80 undergraduates, postgraduates, and faculty staff.[4]
Formula Student
UoN Racing Team's car, Frankie (FS2021), at the FS UK 2021 competition
UoNRT re-launched its Formula Student project in 2016, following a break of five years.[5] The team designs a single-seat electric racing car to compete in the IMechE Formula Student UK competition against other teams with both electric and conventional combustion engine vehicles.[6][7]
The team aimed to design and manufacture the UK’s first all-wheel drive electric car.[8][9] The first entries in 2017, 2018 and 2019 did not participate in the competition’s dynamic events; the team placed 63rd,[10] 61st[11] and 59th[12] respectively in these years. In 2020, UoNRT switched to a two-wheel drive powertrain and placed 19th out of 66 teams at the virtual static competition.[13]
UoNRT returned to Silverstone in 2021 with a new 2WD car and achieved their best results to date.[14] The car placed third overall, and won "Best EV of 2021"[15][16][17] On top of this, the UoNRT Business Team came first in their competition, beating 108 other universities.[18]
The 2021 car, named Frankie, will be used as a testing platform in 2021-22 as the team works on future projects including a new, lightweight drive unit and upgrading to a carbon fiber chassis and suspension.[14]
UoNRT started a new project in 2020-21 to build a solar-powered electric car to participate in Solar Challenge competitions around the world.[23][24][25][26] The guiding principles of solar challenge vehicles are to be ultra-efficient, designed for endurance, and push the boundaries of sustainable electric vehicle technology.[27]
This is the first time the University of Nottingham has set up a solar car project. The team are developing a Cruiser class car, and they are taking an approach focused on low-impact design and manufacture.[4] Alongside featuring 5m2 of solar panels, UoNRT’s first solar car will be adapting and upcycling parts from used electric vehicles.[4] The chassis is modified from a Renault Twizy base,[22][26] and second-life Nissan Leaf batteries are installed. They aim to be an environmentally-friendly alternative to the growing problem of dealing with end-of-life batteries from electric vehicles.[28]
The team aim to complete the first car in 2022, in time to participate in the European Solar Challenge[29][22][26] and prepare for the World Solar Challenge[27] in 2023. The team have said they will target further events around the world as the team develops.
