Its taken a team of over 130 BYU engineering students and more than seven years to complete the task but now their Electric Blue Electric streamliner has finally broken the electric car land speed record.
The Electric Blue streamliner raced down the Bonneville Salt Flats setting an average speed of 155.8 mph and hitting a maximum speed of 175 mph. The Blue Electric streamliner is powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries and now holds the record for electric cars under 1,100 pounds. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action completing its two runs.
The Engineering Behind the Electric Blue Streamliner
The streamliner has a custom-built carbon fiber body which was modeled on a wind tunnel program for aerodynamic performance. This meticulous design process was crucial in minimizing air resistance and maximizing speed. The carbon fiber construction not only provides strength but also keeps the vehicle lightweight, which is essential for achieving high speeds. The team faced numerous challenges, including optimizing the battery placement for weight distribution and ensuring the vehicle’s stability at high speeds.
Earlier attempts to break the land speed record resulted in a top speed of 180 mph, but unfortunately, the car rolled the streamliner while completing the run. This incident led to a comprehensive review and redesign of the vehicle’s safety features, including the addition of a more robust roll cage and improved suspension system to handle the stresses of high-speed racing on the salt flats.
The Significance of the Record
Breaking the electric car land speed record is not just a milestone for the BYU engineering team but also a significant achievement in the field of electric vehicles (EVs). It demonstrates the potential of electric propulsion systems to compete with traditional internal combustion engines in high-performance applications. The success of the Electric Blue streamliner showcases the advancements in battery technology, particularly the use of lithium iron phosphate batteries, which offer a good balance of energy density, safety, and longevity.
This achievement also highlights the importance of student-led projects in pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. The experience gained by the students involved in this project is invaluable, providing them with hands-on experience in engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. It also serves as an inspiration for future engineers to pursue careers in the rapidly evolving field of electric vehicles.
Moreover, the record-breaking run at the Bonneville Salt Flats adds to the rich history of this iconic location, known for its unique conditions that make it ideal for land speed record attempts. The salt flats provide a flat, smooth surface with minimal friction, allowing vehicles to reach their maximum potential speeds.
Source: Gizmodo : PhysOrg
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