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TU Munich presents new model for participation in the Shell Eco-Marathon

The new competition car from the student group TUfast Eco premiered in Munich. It aims to build on past successes and set new standards in efficiency.

Looking forward to the next Eco-Marathon: Bavaria's Minister of Science Markus Blume, Munich's Second Mayor Katrin Habenschaden, and Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann, President of TUM, at the premiere of muc023. | Photo: Andreas Heddergott / TUM
Looking forward to the next Eco-Marathon: Bavaria's Minister of Science Markus Blume, Munich's Second Mayor Katrin Habenschaden, and Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann, President of TUM, at the premiere of muc023. | Photo: Andreas Heddergott / TUM
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The Shell Eco-Marathon focuses on extremely fuel-efficient vehicles: Universities from around the world are competing to build the most efficient car. The new model from TU Munich aims to offer lower weight, increased efficiency of individual components, and significantly reduced air resistance compared to its predecessor. In May 2023, the vehicle will compete with other student groups from Europe at the Shell Eco Marathon.

The Shell Eco Marathon is held annually and takes place on different continents. The TUM team will participate with its electric vehicle in the European leg of the event. In 2023, the students will be competing for the fourth time in the Urban Concept category, where the cars must also exhibit a certain resemblance to operational passenger cars and not just be pure prototypes. In 2022, the team secured second place in the overall ranking and first place in various subcategories with TUfast Eco.

Independent Research During Studies

Student research groups and initiatives have a long tradition at TUM. Teams like TUfast offer students the opportunity to directly apply the knowledge acquired in their studies and conduct independent research. These groups regularly succeed in competitions and often rank at the top.

TU Munich Competes for the Twentieth Time

Under the team name TUfast Eco, the student initiative will compete in international competitions for the twentieth time this year. The recently unveiled muc023 electric car is expected to secure top positions once again. In the presence of Bavarian Science Minister Markus Blume, Munich's second Mayor Katrin Habenschaden, and TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann, the team presented its new electric car to the public.

Further Development of the Predecessor: The New One is Even More Efficient

Muc023, with an unladen weight of around 65 kilograms, is a full ten kilograms lighter than its predecessor. Changes to the bodywork and new suspensions, which are nearly 40 percent lighter than last year's, have made this possible. The team also improved the efficiency of the electrical components. For instance, the new permanently excited synchronous motors operate up to five percent more efficiently on the test bench than the previously used models. Aerodynamics plays an even more crucial role now in handling the electrical energy stored in the batteries as efficiently as possible.

cW value of 0.13!

Disguised front wheel arches and a modified rear section are supposed to help the muc023 achieve a cW value of only 0.13. This allows it to slip through the wind about 20 percent better than its predecessor (which had a cW value of around 0.16). Gleb Lialine, team manager of the TUfast Eco Team, explains:

“Our team is very proud of the new car. We have learned a lot from past competitions and have focused on details for the muc023. The sum of improvements results in an impressive outcome, which will hopefully be reflected in the results at the upcoming challenges.”

And Science Minister Blume said:

“The students embody the unique spirit of TUM. We are all incredibly proud of the fantastic commitment and the many successful teams at TUM. They combine innovation with sustainable responsibility for the future of our society. This is exactly what we need. And we are keeping our fingers crossed for the TUfast Eco Team for the upcoming competitions!”

What does that mean?

The Eco-Marathon repeatedly produces incredibly fuel-efficient vehicles - and TU Munich has already won several times here. That's why they keep at it. TUM President Hofmann praised the commitment of the students and summed up the project: It’s all about energy efficiency and cooperation.

“They are driven by their passion for competition. And their vehicle is a wonderful example of what TUM is all about: top innovations that are turned into concrete applications, all combined with social responsibility for greater sustainability. I am particularly enthusiastic about how many different disciplines come together here, from engineering to computer science and design to management. And the members of TUfast come from 80 different countries. Therefore, we as TUM will continue to support the project in the best possible way.”

Translated automatically from German.
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