Supporting The Race for EV Future with Special Tapes
High-performance products to maximize safety, performance and longevity of battery packs has helped leading automotive OEMs design battery-electric cars that pave the way into new ways of mobility. At first glance, with an acceleration of less than 4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (about 62 mi/h), a full carbon monocoque and aerodynamically optimized design, the full-electric race car of the Elbflorace Formula Student Team has little in common with the EVs on our roads.
Behind the wheel of the Elbflorace Formula EV race car, if you are courageous enough to apply pressure to the accelerator pedal you are immediately and mercilessly pressed into the seat. A broad grin will certainly spread under the helmet and fireproof hood as you get a very direct feeling of what the high-performance materials used during production are capable of. Powered by a specially developed battery pack, you race almost silently towards the first corners of the track and experience first-hand this new and special driving experience of an electric racing car. To maximize performance and protection, i.e. against thermal runaway, the engineers of the future from the Elbflorace Race Team rely on our foams and tapes. For many years already, Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions has supported the team. As part of this year's Sponsor Driving event, we interviewed the team to find out more about their ambitions, the vehicle and the benefits of working together.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your function at Elbflorace?
My name is Justus Hache and I'm the head of the electronics module at Elbflorace. I am responsible for everything regarding low voltage and its control electronics.
What are the Elbflorace goals for this racing season?
As part of the Elbflorace Formula Student Team, our primary goal for this racing season is to construct a highly performant and durable Formula Student race car that excels both in driver-operated mode and autonomous racing mode. Through the implementation of innovative designs, utilization of high-quality materials and incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies, our aim is to not only achieve victories in numerous events but also elevate Elbflorace to regain its position at the top of the world ranking, showcasing our team's dedication and engineering prowess.
Sounds amazing! Feeling the power of the race car underlines these ambitions. How does the collaboration with Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions help you reach these goals?
The collaboration with Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals by providing an extensive range of products that cater to our specific needs. From CHR® K350 Tape for insulation and Norseal® PF100 Series Compression Foam to counteract cell swelling in the accumulator, to Norseal FS1000 Series Foam for sealing our accumulator container, their solutions cover various aspects of our electric drivetrain. Additionally, the partnership extends beyond the drivetrain, as we also rely on numerous Saint-Gobain products for carbon manufacturing and our low voltage electronics, ensuring that their support and expertise permeate multiple facets of our race car development, contributing to our overall success.
Developing solutions for future EV technology
How would you describe the experience of working with Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions?
Working with Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions has been a seamless experience. At the beginning of the season, we compile a comprehensive list of items we require, which we promptly send to our dedicated contact at Saint-Gobain. Within a few days, we receive the requested tapes, ensuring a smooth procurement process. Moreover, if we encounter any questions or require guidance in selecting the most suitable product for our specific use case, we benefit from their professional consulting services, allowing us to consistently find the optimal solution. Overall, the entire process is remarkably straightforward, saving us valuable time that we can then invest in the construction of our car.
What are the major benefits of this collaboration today and in the future?
For me, one major advantage is the focus on safety. With Saint-Gobain as a sponsor, we have access to resources that help us reduce the risks of fires, especially in light of the unfortunate accumulator fire incident at the FS East event in Hungary last year. The use of PF100 compression foam enables us to achieve tight cell packaging while minimizing the potential damage caused by cell swelling. Furthermore, the insulation tapes provided by Saint-Gobain ensure that short circuits, particularly in the high voltage system, are effectively prevented. This comprehensive coverage of critical conductive surfaces guarantees the safety of both students and components.
Additionally, the collaboration with Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions provides immediate safety benefits and enables us to maintain high safety standards. In the future, this partnership allows for continuous improvement in safety measures and opens doors for advancements in drivetrain performance. Through the expertise and resources of Saint-Gobain, we can address safety concerns and optimize our electric drivetrain solutions, ultimately contributing to the success of our Formula Student project.
How do you personally benefit from developing innovative EV solutions with Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions? How could automotive customers also benefit, in general?
Personally, being involved in the development of innovative EV solutions allows me to contribute to the global transition towards sustainable transportation. By leveraging the expertise and resources of Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions, we can create cutting-edge electric drivetrain technologies that are more efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly. This provides a sense of fulfillment and pride in making a positive impact on the future of mobility.
In general, automotive customers can benefit from developing innovative EV solutions with Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions in several ways. They can leverage the expertise and advanced technologies provided by Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions to improve the performance, efficiency and durability of their EV drivetrains. This can result in enhanced range, reduced maintenance costs and increased customer satisfaction.
Working closely with Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions allows automotive customers to stay at the forefront of EV technology advancements. They can gain early access to new adhesive and sealing solutions, enabling them to differentiate their products in the market and gain a competitive edge.
What motivates you to be an Elbflorace team member? What do you like most?
Being an Elbflorace team member, what I appreciate the most is the strong bond and familial atmosphere that permeates our team. We support and uplift each other, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Another aspect that drives my motivation is the opportunity to apply the knowledge I've gained from my computer science studies in a practical setting. Despite my specialization, being part of Elbflorace allows me to delve into other fields like electrical engineering and expand my skill set. It's incredibly fulfilling to see how my contributions, along with those of my teammates, come together to build a high-performance race car.
Overall, the combination of teamwork, the chance to utilize university-acquired knowledge and the continuous learning and growth in diverse disciplines make being an Elbflorace team member an incredibly rewarding experience.
Accelerate Your EV Projects
Thanks a lot, Justus, for your time and the insights into a leading Student Racing Team! What the team has achieved so far is definitely impressive and we keep our fingers crossed for a successful season and for developing the mobility of the future.
If you need support in solving your EV challenges, contact us today and find out how the right product can put your EV projects into pole position.
