0–100 km/h Acceleration in Just 2.7 Seconds
Hsinchu, Taiwan — The student team NTHU Racing has unveiled its third-generation Formula SAE electric race car, the TH05 (Gen-3). The car features all-wheel drive. It also has a lighter battery assembly and a revised chassis/aero package. During a recent shakedown run at Nanliao, Hsinchu, the car recorded a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of just 2.7 seconds. This performance approaches the level of flagship production EVs.
Here are the key engineering changes compared to Gen-2:
- AWD Conversion: The car now has all-wheel drive. This improves traction and launch performance. (Previously, it was 2WD.)
- Battery Upgrade: The team upgraded to higher specific-energy ternary lithium-ion (NMC) cells and packs. They reduced the battery enclosure weight from ~75 kg to ~55 kg. This was achieved through repackaging and lightweighting.
- Revised Chassis Dynamics: The team added a third damper. They also updated the brakes and the new aero/bodywork. These changes improve stability, handling, and safety.
- “Made-in-Taiwan” Supply Chain: The car emphasizes local components. Inverters and motors are supported by local partners (e.g., ADATA/Winbond ecosystem references). The team develops most systems in-house instead of relying on turnkey OEM kits.
The team was formed in 2015. They previously competed in Japan’s Formula SAE events. In the engine category, their best finish was ~21st. They moved to the EV category in 2018. They achieved 4th place and later a runner-up finish.
International events were disrupted this year. The team is now targeting a strong result in the next season.
NTHU Racing’s Takeaway
Taiwan’s strength in electronics integration makes student EV racing a strategic asset. Their next R&D step is autonomous driving subsystems. These will be built in-house using a first-principles approach.