Racing @ RIT: Hot Wheelz Formula SAE Electric

The RIT Hot Wheelz Formula SAE Electric Team is made up of all female students with different backgrounds, interests and all levels of experience.

They seek new members willing to learn and contribute to all aspects of designing and building. The team began in 2012, where they took home first place in the Imagine RIT E-Dragster Race. In 2013, the team earned third place in the Imagine RIT Electric Endurance Power Wheels Challenge. Likewise, in the 2014 Imagine RIT Electric Vehicle Autocross Race, the team placed third. They have also received awards such as the Imagine RIT Time Warner Cable Sponsor Award and the Innovation Award. 

As a result of their hard work and dedication to learning and succeeding, the team has secured financial support and mentorship from companies such as SpaceX, Toyota, Harris, Rovisys, RIT Kate Gleason College of Engineering and BOHlinger Inc., among others.

The Hot Wheelz team is preparing to compete in the Formula Hybrid Competition in April 2016. Jennifer Smith, a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student, is the co-team lead and project manager for the team. She shared her thoughts on the team's current outlook. 

"Our team is currently in the first phase of transition. Previously, we have built and modified small go-kart style electric vehicles," she said. 

With more and more advancement, Smith says that they are "entering more into a brand new, much more rigorous competition and building a Formula Electric vehicle from the ground up. With that being said, this semester has solely been dedicated to the design and analysis of the car." The team is working on designing an electrical system with 300 volts and a vehicle that could reach 75 mph in 75 meters. They are excited to finalize the design, move into machining and fabricate the vehicle in the upcoming year. 

Make sure to check out the team's 2014 car and current 2015 designs on display at Imagine RIT this year on May 2. They will be located in the Brinkman Hallway of the Engineering building.

If you are interested in more information, check out their blog at RIT Hot Wheelz Formula SAE Electric Team.