This article spotlights "Formula Team FEM," Nagoya University's dedicated electric vehicle (EV) racing team. The team competes in the nationwide "Formula SAE Japan Competition" and has established an impressive track record with four consecutive EV division championships from 2017 to 2020. 

The team operates from a garage in the recently completed Engineering EI Innovation Building. After classes, members gather diligently to work on their project.

The 50-member team is led by Yusuke Sawada, a first-year master's student in the Graduate School of Engineering. Sawada expresses high expectations for this year's machine: "The standout features are the carbon monocoque frame and the four-wheel independent drive. We won't lose to any university!"

Shota Ikeguchi, a second-year master's student responsible for chassis construction, highlights the vehicle's exceptional lightness. "By precisely aligning the direction of carbon fibers, we've achieved high strength, lightweight design, and low power consumption." The vehicle weighs just 220 kg including the battery--approximately 27% lighter than their previous pipe-frame body (approximately 300 kg).

The sophisticated four-wheel independent drive system, unique to Nagoya University among Japanese institutions, manages individual motors on each wheel through advanced programming. This configuration ensures quick responsiveness and precise vehicle control.

The programming--the operational backbone of the vehicle--is carefully developed and preserved knowledge passed down from senior to junior members and continuously refined. One of the program's "successors" is Koki Hoshino, a second-year undergraduate student in the Faculty of Engineering. Hoshino integrates data collected from various sensors on the vehicle's movement, acceleration, and motor rotation speed into the program. While navigating these challenges, he shares, "There's so much I don't know, but I've always been interested in this area, and it's incredibly rewarding work."

During the interview, team members worked diligently throughout the garage--discussing wiring configurations, testing electrical systems, and independently addressing their respective tasks, solving problems as they arose.

Approximately 130 sponsor companies support the team's efforts, contributing equipment, systems, and technology. Among universities nationwide, Nagoya University has established itself as a leader in EV technology.

The team's immediate goal is to claim the title of "No. 1 in Japan." At this year's Student Formula Japan Competition in August, they aim to win both the EV division and the overall championship--an achievement no EV team has accomplished before. The team has already addressed last year's defeat, which they attributed to "a structure with poor maintainability."

With determination, team leader Sawada declares, "Carrying the banner of Nagoya University, we aim to become Japan's best!"

The International Communications Office, Nagoya University wishes to thank the Public Relations Office, Nagoya University for the use of this article. It was originally written in Japanese for the "Public Relations Medai" web magazine by Tatsuyuki Fukui. All photos were taken by Tatsuyuki Fukui. It has been translated and edited for clarity and readability by Scott Kwon and the International Communications Office while preserving the original content's intent. This article was originally published on July 4, 2023 so some information, such as students affiliations and their current year of study, may not be up to date. For the original, please see here.