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FormulaVoltage: Electric Minimalism for the Racetrack

Four partners, one goal: Georg Barton, Managing Director of ATM Tornau Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, Jörg Kieback, expert in car batteries and accumulators, designer Gert Pollmann, and engineer Andreas Roß from the University of Lübeck have built a small, lightweight e-racing car: the FormulaVoltage.

Classically elegant but much slower than it looks: The FormulaVoltage electric vehicle only reaches 80 km/h - but even that can be a lot of fun thanks to low-tech. | Photo: ATM Tornau Motoren
Classically elegant but much slower than it looks: The FormulaVoltage electric vehicle only reaches 80 km/h - but even that can be a lot of fun thanks to low-tech. | Photo: ATM Tornau Motoren
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Gregor Soller

The FormulaVoltage aims to prove that the fun of racing doesn't need four-figure power outputs or high-tech electronics. Including the built-in batteries, the E-Racer weighs only 430 kg and is designed to be very agile on the track thanks to its lightweight construction. “Despite its adequate motor power of 12 kW, the FormulaVoltage is particularly zippy and can reach top speeds of up to 80 km/h,” says Barton, explaining the real trick:

“By not installing ABS and other modern electronics, the race car sits freely on the road. Especially the cornering behavior allows for an exciting and lively drive on winding tracks.”

Real brakes are only at the front, the rear wheels only recuperate

The braking system of the E-Racer is mounted at the front and is complemented by a recuperation brake on the rear axle. This regenerative brake works wear-free like any electrodynamic brake. The electrical energy recovered from the kinetic energy is not converted into heat in the regenerative brake but directed into a storage unit in the vehicle.

The torsion-resistant vehicle frame consists of an aluminum box frame. The self-suspending wheel suspensions, drive unit with differential, batteries, seat, crash elements, and bodywork are all bolted to this frame and can be quickly replaced. Except for the bodywork, all technical components including the wheel and tire combination as well as the braking system are standardized, and only front-wheel brakes are installed.

The monoposto is expected to cost 35,000 euros

Stylistically inspired by the formula race cars of the early 60s, it evokes a "back to the roots" driving experience of motorsports. To match its appearance and vehicle type, vintage tires are installed. The cost of the E-Racer, true to the developers' cost-effective concept, is around 35,000 euros.

At 3.97 meters in length, 1.57 meters in width, and a height of 90 cm or 1.10 m with a roll bar, the FormulaVoltage is positioned between go-karts and classic race cars. This roughly corresponds to 1.25 times the stylistic model, a Formula One race car from the early 60s with the typical cigar shape of that time. It also accommodates tall drivers comfortably. Designer Pollmann paid attention to details: today's much larger crash helmets are not supposed to stand out unfavorably in size proportions.

The bodywork can be designed by each participant within a regulated area. This means a great deal of freedom for an individual and personal appearance. Thus, color, rims, and tires can be configured, and club logos can be applied. Accessories such as helmets and gloves can also be color-coordinated and uniformly available. At the end of June 2023, the E-Racer competed in its first official race. More events, like the championship held as part of the ProtoChampSeries created by designer Pollmann, are expected to follow.

What does that mean?

Those who know designer Gert Pollmann and his passion for classic but self-designed single-seaters will quickly grasp the approach of FormulaVoltage: Even in his early youth, the designer was a minimalist and made models out of paper. Throughout his career, he repeatedly managed to bring tech companies on board to bring his designs (and single-seaters) to life. In this case, Tornau Motors and an engaged quartet of four motorsport fans aim to prove that car racing does not have to be accompanied by high CO2 emissions and resource consumption.

 

Translated automatically from German.
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