The student team of the TU Delft has obtained the first place in the European Electric Championship of the MotoE. The purpose designed and built electric racing motorcycle is especially targeted for the races of this unique competition. After the three race weekends, the first place can finally be celebrated!
The Team
A group of 14 students forms the team of Nova Electric Racing. Together, they have given everything last year to build a competitive motorcycle for racing in the MotoE Championship. From managing the team, to the design, building and racing of the motorcycle, everything needs to be perfect to obtain the first spot. In the D:DREAMhall of the TU Delft, where they are located together with a few other student teams and get the space and freedom to build and design it, lies the head quarter of the Dutch team. Our rider, Casper Voogt, is a former team member who, after his Nova-time, has set up the racing team “El Pollo Loco” and next to his racing experience is enthusiastically helping us with the setup of the motorcycle.
Engineering
Although the electric motor is lighter than a classic internal combustion engine, the main challenge is the weight and placement of the battery pack. The in total 200kg weighing bike has a continuous power of 140kW (190hp) and a torque on the rear wheel of more than 500Nm. In racing conditions, it will hold up for around 40 kilometres, before running out of batteries. By designing the frame and swingarm ourselves, it was possible to efficiently create space for the battery pack and electronics. Next to this, the own-produced carbon fibre seat and fairings contribute to a lightweight bike.
MotoE
The MotoE competition is specially started to provide a platform stimulate innovation in electric motorcycles. Both student teams and companies alike participate in the competition to be at the forefront of the developments. This year, the races were held on the tracks of Anglesey, Pembrey and the last one at the former MotoGP track Donington Park.To showcase the potential of electric motorcycles, it was possible this year to compete in a petrol class during the weekends. Within these races, the MotoE then had her own ranking. On the first two circuits, the team competed against 400cc motorcycles where they were able to ride in the leading group. On Donington Park, it was possible for the competition to ride with a 600cc class. Starting from the pitlane, the team was able to go from the last place to a promising finish in the middle of the field, and a first place in the MotoE competition.