[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":111},["ShallowReactive",2],{"aR5zs34slPqoXE-mOnKvRcezUYbCpjtd8ZDNYWIfd1Q":3,"article_wpi-engineers-build-fsae-car-for-competition-in-a-closet-and-succeed-at-formula-hybrid-electric_solidworks":10,"_apollo:default":109,"_apollo:identified":110},{"mailchimpAudience":4},{"actionUrl":5,"slug":6,"locale":7,"default":8,"__typename":9},"","wpi-engineers-build-fsae-car-for-competition-in-a-closet-and-succeed-at-formula-hybrid-electric","en","https:\u002F\u002F3ds.us3.list-manage.com\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fpost?u=ed4601044e1936748c0d2aa6b&id=e5080ff9fe&f_id=002d4de2f0","MailchimpAudience",{"posts":11},{"nodes":12,"__typename":108},[13],{"id":14,"slug":6,"title":15,"uri":16,"excerpt":17,"locale":18,"featuredImage":21,"tableOfContents":30,"content":31,"date":32,"authorJobTitle":5,"author":33,"masterings":46,"globalTags":60,"products":63,"disciplines":76,"seo":97,"__typename":107},"cG9zdDo1MDM5MQ==","WPI Engineers Build FSAE Car for Competition in a Closet and Succeed at Formula Hybrid + Electric","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fwpi-engineers-build-fsae-car-for-competition-in-a-closet-and-succeed-at-formula-hybrid-electric","\u003Cp>In 2019, WPI Engineers had passion to build a competitive FSAE vehicle…\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"locale":19,"__typename":20},"en_US","Locale",{"node":22,"__typename":29},{"large":23,"__typename":24,"medium_large":25,"thumbnail":26,"srcSet":27,"sizes":28},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-team-at-nh-speedway-1.jpg","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-team-at-nh-speedway-1-768x576.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-team-at-nh-speedway-1-150x150.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-team-at-nh-speedway-1.jpg 960w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-team-at-nh-speedway-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-team-at-nh-speedway-1-768x576.jpg 768w","(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[],"\u003Cp>In 2019, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wpi.edu\u002F\">WPI Engineers\u003C\u002Fa> had passion to build a competitive FSAE vehicle for Formula SAE Michigan.  What they didn’t have is space.  Assigned the former machinist’s closet  the team successfully converted the space to design, build, test, widen the closet door, and get closer to competition. WPI completed all FSAE dynamic and static events in Michigan, rising 20 places and improving in each category.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cdiv class=\"ds-video\">\u003Ca data-3ds-videoplayer=\"modal\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=CxTKRaU5D7k\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cspan class=\"ImageCover Border Block\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\u002F\u002Fimg.youtube.com\u002Fvi\u002FCxTKRaU5D7k\u002Fhqdefault.jpg); width:100%; height: 100%;\">\u003Cspan class=\"Btn--circle isCenter\">\u003Ci class=\"Icon Icon--playBig\">\u003C\u002Fi>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003Cp>In the 2020-2021 season, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fwpi_fsae\u002F\">WPI FSAE team\u003C\u002Fa> had a new goal, create a Formula Electric car for competition. With the help of engineering advisors, Williams Michalson, electrical and computer systems, David Planchard, mechanical systems, department approval, and determined students,  a two-year design, build, and race goal began.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-mission-615x615-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50393\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-mission-615x615-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-mission-615x615-1-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-mission-615x615-1-150x150.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>How do you transfer a mechanical engineering FSAE team to an all electric FSAE team?  The first step was to recruit a multi disciplinary team, with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and computer science engineering majors.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"402\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-accumulator-assembly-615x402-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50394\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-accumulator-assembly-615x402-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-accumulator-assembly-615x402-1-300x196.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>John Williams led the team in 2021 through a COVID-restricted year, shifting design focus to all electric.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"323\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-sae-full-assembly-615x323-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50395\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-sae-full-assembly-615x323-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-sae-full-assembly-615x323-1-300x158.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>Scheduling around the clock was key, only a few team members could work on the car due to space constraints.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-testing-welds-615x461-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50396\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-testing-welds-615x461-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-testing-welds-615x461-1-300x225.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>In the first year of the electric build,  small manual tests for material selection played a critical role.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"408\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-lateral-shear-loading-615x408-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50397\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-lateral-shear-loading-615x408-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-lateral-shear-loading-615x408-1-300x199.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>With limited space for testing, SOLIDWORKS Simulation was paramount.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Faccumulator-mounts-wpi-fsae-electrical-615x405-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50398\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Faccumulator-mounts-wpi-fsae-electrical-615x405-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Faccumulator-mounts-wpi-fsae-electrical-615x405-1-300x198.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>Design review meetings were held through Zoom.  The mechanical suspension team designed a new frame to support the electrical requirements, Simulations showed new possibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fpedal-and-foot-placement-wpi-formula-electric-615x534-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50399\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fpedal-and-foot-placement-wpi-formula-electric-615x534-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fpedal-and-foot-placement-wpi-formula-electric-615x534-1-300x260.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>To keep costs down, students designed and machined many new components including the foot pedal with extra room for the drivers foot to rest and new uprights for support.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"348\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-electric-machining-615x348-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50400\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-electric-machining-615x348-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-electric-machining-615x348-1-300x170.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>In 2021-2022 season, Jessica Babcock, mechanical project manager and Ilyas Sahli, electrical project manager brought sub-teams together with the goal of participating in \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.formula-hybrid.org\u002F\">Formula Hybrid + Electric\u003C\u002Fa>.  Pre judging occurred on site in the closet and students listened carefully to FSAE Hybrid + Electrical judge’s recommendations.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-frame2-615x615-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50401\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-frame2-615x615-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-frame2-615x615-1-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-fsae-frame2-615x615-1-150x150.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>Then came the completed reports, structural equivalency, electrical systems, impact attenuator, change management,  design, and sustainability.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-mqp-2022-615x461-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50402\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-mqp-2022-615x461-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-electric-mqp-2022-615x461-1-300x225.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>In addition to preparing for Formula Hybrid + Electric, many team members used the new vehicle design as part of their Major Qualifying Project (MQP)\u002Fsenior design capstone project, winning second place in the Provost award category.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-mqp2021-2022-electrical-panel-615x349-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50403\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-mqp2021-2022-electrical-panel-615x349-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwpi-formula-mqp2021-2022-electrical-panel-615x349-1-300x170.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>The weekend before competition, the team was “all-in”.   For the first time, the wheels turned and all simulated systems were now a reality.  With no drive time, the WPI engineers took a chance and drove to the New Hampshire Speedway to begin a 4-day grueling competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fjess-wpi-fsae-electric-formula-hybrid-electric-615x461-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50404\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fjess-wpi-fsae-electric-formula-hybrid-electric-615x461-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fjess-wpi-fsae-electric-formula-hybrid-electric-615x461-1-300x225.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>The students first endured the design judging and static events achieving the coveted “technical inspection” sticker.  Next came the dynamic events and the WPI vehicle, named “Purple Haze”,  performed beautifully.  Finally on the last day, WPI’s first electric vehicle finished all 40 laps of endurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fexcellence-in-electric-vehicle-engineering-461x615-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50405\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fexcellence-in-electric-vehicle-engineering-461x615-1.jpg.webp 461w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fexcellence-in-electric-vehicle-engineering-461x615-1-225x300.jpg.webp 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>WPI’s first Formula Electric vehicle achieved 4th place overall and won the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ieee.org\u002F\">IEEE\u003C\u002Fa> Advanced Technology for Humanity Excellence in Electrical Vehicle Engineering award.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Thank you WPI FSAE engineers for inspiring all of us to persevere and design well.   Proud Alum, Marie (MSME – WPI)\u003C\u002Fp>","2022-05-06T12:18:28",{"node":34,"__typename":45},{"nicename":35,"description":36,"slug":37,"name":38,"firstName":39,"lastName":40,"avatar":41,"__typename":44},"marie-planchard","Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of  Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning.","marie planchard","Marie Planchard","Marie","Planchard",{"url":42,"__typename":43},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F10\u002Fnyzykisa-jpeg-96x96.webp","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"nodes":47,"edges":54,"__typename":59},[48],{"id":49,"name":50,"slug":51,"uri":52,"__typename":53},"dGVybTo5NTY1","Events","events","\u002Fmastering\u002Fevents\u002F","Taxonomy_mastering",[55],{"isPrimary":56,"node":57,"__typename":58},false,{"id":49,"name":50,"slug":51,"uri":52,"__typename":53},"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnection",{"nodes":61,"__typename":62},[],"PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":64,"nodes":73,"__typename":75},[65],{"isPrimary":56,"node":66,"__typename":72},{"id":67,"name":68,"slug":69,"uri":70,"__typename":71},"dGVybTo1Ng==","SOLIDWORKS","solidworks","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","Taxonomy_product","PostToTaxonomy_productConnectionEdge",[74],{"id":67,"name":68,"slug":69,"uri":70,"__typename":71},"PostToTaxonomy_productConnection",{"nodes":77,"edges":92,"__typename":96},[78],{"id":79,"name":80,"slug":81,"uri":82,"parentId":83,"disciplines":84,"__typename":91},"dGVybTo2OQ==","Students","students","\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fstudents\u002F","dGVybTo2Ng==",{"nodes":85,"__typename":90},[86],{"title":80,"uri":87,"parentId":88,"__typename":89},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Feducation\u002Fstudents","cG9zdDozNzgx","Discipline","Taxonomy_disciplineToDisciplineConnection","Taxonomy_discipline",[93],{"isPrimary":56,"node":94,"__typename":95},{"parentId":83,"id":79,"name":80,"slug":81,"uri":82,"__typename":91},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnection",{"canonical":5,"title":98,"metaDesc":5,"opengraphAuthor":5,"opengraphDescription":99,"opengraphTitle":15,"opengraphUrl":100,"opengraphSiteName":101,"opengraphPublishedTime":102,"opengraphModifiedTime":103,"twitterTitle":5,"twitterDescription":5,"readingTime":104,"metaRobotsNoindex":105,"__typename":106},"WPI Engineers Build FSAE Car for Competition in a Closet and Succeed at Formula Hybrid + Electric - Blog Solidworks","In 2019, WPI Engineers had passion to build a competitive FSAE vehicle…","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fwpi-engineers-build-fsae-car-for-competition-in-a-closet-and-succeed-at-formula-hybrid-electric\u002F","Blog Solidworks","2022-05-06T16:18:28+00:00","2026-02-13T07:22:56+00:00",3,"noindex","PostTypeSEO","Post","RootQueryToPostConnection",{},{},1777141354585]