Formula Student Electric Powerful All-Wheel Drive for Electric Racing Cars

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Stöber Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

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At the Formula Student Electric (FSE), the RSP25 was already able to prove its potential during initial tests. A German Racing Team has named their new vehicle "Rosequartz"—after the healing stone of lovers, which is said to awaken desires and wishes. For the students, it’s the dream of victory. Stöber once again supported the further development of its predecessor this year as a platinum sponsor.

At first glance, the new race car—apart from its striking pink paint job—looks similar to its predecessor. But under the hood lies an entirely new concept: instead of the previous rear-wheel drive, the team is now relying on a powerful all-wheel drive with in-wheel electric motors. "This new drive concept alone makes the car something special," explains Jannis Kneule, Technical Director of the Pforzheim Racing Team. "We continuously optimized the previous rear-wheel drive system, but we reached physical limits. The all-wheel drive now puts double the power on the road."

The compact design, without a separate drive unit or drive shaft, creates space in the chassis—for instance, for the battery and a fiberglass firewall that protects the driver in case of an emergency. The aerodynamics have also been optimized—the front wing has been newly designed, and the side pods have been revised. Additionally, the team developed its own aluminum brake with a ceramic coating. Steering is facilitated by a rack-and-pinion system, with steering torque transmitted via a bevel gear. The monocoque is made of CFRP with an aluminum honeycomb core.

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Technology Partner from the Very Beginning

Stöber has been supporting the Pforzheim Racing Team since its foundation—initially primarily with financial contributions, and since the switch to electric drive in 2020, as a platinum sponsor. "Today, we don't just provide funding; we also supply technology and expertise," says Tim Lang, Head of Applications Department. Together with the racing team, standard components were modified for race use—including drive controllers and individual components for the motors and gearboxes. These are originally used in industrial applications, such as machine tools with multiple axes.

The conversion to racing conditions required special adjustments and close coordination with the students. Additionally, Stöber supports the manufacturing and processing of other mechanical components of the racing car. The team was also able to access state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. Test runs on the company's own engine test bench were also made possible.

Trusting Partnership

The collaboration between the company and the university is based on trust and expertise. “Stöber always had an open ear for us and our ideas— even when they seemed crazy at first glance,” says Paula Zachmann, team leader for sponsorship. “The engineers worked with us to find solutions.”

Whether gearbox manufacturing, design, or questions about electric drive technology—we received competent support at all times.

Paul Schenk, Teamleitung High Voltage

Positive Results Motivated the Development Team

In mid-July, things got exciting for the students: the FS Switzerland race took place in Geschinen. Amidst the Swiss Alps, the RSP25 "Rosequartz" was able to prove its performance for the first time. The positive results motivated the young development team—they are now using their findings to further optimize the vehicle. The team will compete in its second race at the FS Czech from August 4 to 9 at the Autodrom in Most, Czech Republic. The season will conclude with the technically demanding FS Germany event from August 18 to 24 at the Hockenheimring (Germany).

Since 2014, students from Pforzheim (Germany) have been participating in this international design competition. With the RSP25 Rosequartz, they are competing with the eighth car in the gemstone series and the fifth electric racing car in a row.

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