Last year’s car was developed by converting an older chassis to electric drive. This year, the team has instead chosen to design an entirely new structure from scratch.
7 April 2025
New racing car prototype takes shape at Luleå University of Technology
Luleå Formula Student takes a big step forward in this year's race car project. For the first time, the student-led team has designed an entirely new competition vehicle from scratch – an electric car designed to meet today's racing rules and technical requirements.
The new car, called RITSEM, is so far only available in virtual form. This year, the team has taken on the entire development process - from concept and sketch to a finished digital model. Unlike previous years, when an older chassis was converted to electric drive, the team has now developed a completely new design from scratch.
“What makes this year's project unique is that we have designed the car from scratch. This places high demands on the entire team - both technically and organisationally, but also on our ability to collaborate,” says Anders Nilsson, Project Manager for Luleå Formula Student.
The breadth of the team gives strength
The project involves 29 students from a range of programmes and year levels - including mechanical engineering, engineering physics, engineering design, sustainable energy engineering, industrial economics, computer engineering, applied AI and automotive systems engineering .Students from the university’s foundation year also contribute their expertise.
“It is incredibly exciting to see what we have accomplished. We’ve invested a great deal of time and energy and managed to build a strong organisation despite limited resources,” says Anders Nilsson.
Luleå Formula Student is an independent, student-driven association. Some parts of the project have also been integrated into elective project courses, where students can focus on specific aspects of the car’s development as part of their studies.
“What we learn through this project simply can’t be found in textbooks. We work in teams, make decisions under pressure, communicate with external partners and take full responsibility for the process – from idea to product. These are experiences we’ll carry with us long after graduation,” says Anders Nilsson.
The team is now entering an intensive manufacturing phase with machining, welding, assembly and testing. The ambition is for the car to be ready to drive by the summer. The team plans to participate in the Nordic Test Event in Lund.
Design presentation April 14
The new design will be presented on April 14, 2025 at 16:00 in room B192 at Luleå University of Technology in Luleå, with live broadcast via Youtube for those who want to follow the event remotely.
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