In a remarkable advancement for EV technology, students from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have achieved an extraordinary world record, defying expectations. Without relying on solar power, they have set a groundbreaking milestone for the longest-range electric car.
Their pioneering single-seater prototype, known as “muc022,” completed an astonishing journey of 1,599.27 miles (2,575.79 kilometers) on a single battery charge. The dedicated team behind this feat, aptly named TUfast Eco, took an innovative approach to reach this impressive achievement. They began with a car that had previously been used in competitions for efficient electric vehicles and meticulously modified it. Their focus centered on optimizing aerodynamic design and minimizing weight, ultimately leading to integrating a robust 15.5-kilowatt-hour battery. These specifications are indeed accurate and not a typographical error.
The vehicle’s technical specifications are equally astonishing: a mere 374 pounds (170 kilograms) in weight, powered by a 400-watt single electric permanent-magnet synchronous motor. The car’s exceptional aerodynamics are evident in its drag coefficient, an impressive 0.159 Cd.
The record-setting journey occurred within an evacuated airplane hangar at Munich Airport, an endeavor resembling a fusion of scientific experiment and marathon. In a mere four days, they surpassed the previous record of 999.5 miles (1,608.54 km), with no signs of battery depletion. The journey spanned nearly 99 hours over six days, with some committed TUfast Eco members even taking turns to sleep inside the hangar to ensure the project’s success.
The final metrics underscore the monumental achievement: an energy consumption rate of 103 miles/kWh (0.6 kWh/100 km). To contextualize this, it places the “muc022” in a league of its own in terms of EV efficiency. For comparison, Mercedes-Benz’s Vision EQXX prototype achieves 8 miles/kWh, and Tesla’s Model Y, celebrated as “The most efficient Electric SUV ever built,” achieves around 4 miles/kWh.
One team member expressed their pride, saying, “We’ve always believed in pushing boundaries. Today, we’ve not only pushed them but also redefined them.” This groundbreaking achievement was celebrated at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, where representatives from the Guinness World Records recognized their dedication and innovation by awarding them the title of “Greatest distance by electric vehicle, single charge (non-solar).”
Beyond Munich, electric vehicle innovations are making waves worldwide. In a parallel triumph, a team from Zurich and Lucerne in Switzerland set the record for the world’s fastest-accelerating EV, reaching 0-62 miles per hour in just nine-tenths of a second.
The combined accomplishments of these two teams underscore a renaissance in electric vehicle technology and design. As we transition toward more sustainable modes of transportation, these remarkable achievements signal a promising, efficient, and high-speed future for the automotive world.
In an era where electric vehicles are reshaping the automotive landscape, one thing is abundantly clear: the future of transportation is not only environmentally friendly but also filled with boundless possibilities.