About:Energy, a leader in battery development software, is taking their student racing program, “Drive to Recharge,” to the next level! This initiative aims to bridge the global battery skills gap by nurturing the next generation of engineers and supporting the development of 3,000 battery experts by 2030.
From Formula Student to Electric Innovation
Launched in December 2023, “Drive to Recharge” initially focused on Formula Student competitions, prestigious events where student teams design, build, and race electric or gasoline-powered cars. As electric vehicle technology advances, the program has expanded to include 18 teams from 8 countries, sponsoring participants in competitions like Shell Eco Marathon and Moto Student alongside Formula Student.
Equipping Teams for Success
About:Energy equips each sponsored team with a battery cell model of their choice, cutting-edge simulation tools, and valuable educational resources. This allows students to:
- Gain deeper insights into cell behavior.
- Design high-performance battery packs for motorsports applications.
- Optimize pack energy and power density while prioritizing safety.
- Utilize industry-standard modeling tools like those used by major companies.
Student Teams Reap the Benefits
The program offers a win-win situation:
- Faster, More Efficient Cars: Student teams can design cars with the potential for higher rankings in both design and racing competitions.
- Enhanced Employability: Students gain experience with industry-leading tools and a strong foundation in battery systems and simulation.
- Reduced Costs & Time: Virtual testing and rapid design iteration with battery models minimize the need for costly physical prototypes.
Michal Grzyb, Team Leader of Light Electric Motorcycle (LEM) Wroclaw:
“About:Energy’s cell model helps us design new batteries and optimize them… a task that has previously been very difficult.”
Building the Future of Batteries
About:Energy plans to expand the program further, sponsoring additional teams and offering dedicated modeling workshops and battery pack design competitions.
Calling All Student Racers!
Student engineering teams interested in joining the initiative can contact About:Energy at racing@aboutenergy.co.uk.
Together, About:Energy and student teams are fostering innovation in battery development and cultivating a skilled generation of engineers ready to meet the evolving battery industry’s challenges.
