2023-07-19 15:33:46
South America – How many sensors does a Formula E car have? How are possible risks prevented? Who explains to us is Charlotte Henry, Electronics and Systems Engineer for the Nissan Formula E Team, who knows every detail of the electric competition car.
Sensors as a source of information
“I joined the team to take care of the electronic equipment of the racing cars since Season 8. In the current Gen3 – the third generation of electric cars, whose technology made single-seaters even faster, lighter and more sustainable – we have more than 30 sensors in the car, not counting those on the steering wheel. They act as a true intelligent machine, offering multiple functions and are connected to a digital screen, displaying various indicators. Some are only used to provide temperature or pressure information for safety or reliability reasons. Others are used for riding information, such as speed or angle, so we can get the best chassis performance setup for the rider. Another important item is the car’s software, which uses real-time sensor information to analyse, adapt and send precise driving data to the drivers,” commented Charlotte.
Every race is a learning experience.
But there can always be last-minute unforeseen events, related to the activity itself on the track or external factors such as, for example, the weather. There must be solid teamwork, to learn from mistakes and have resilience, in order to understand and find a quick solution to any problems during the race, as well as to find long-term solutions for the next ones. For example, if a sensor stops working, it is replaced immediately. After the race, you look for a mechanical, strategic, electronic solution, among many other options. Each professional gives their best, so that the team is always at its best level.
Innovation in Formula E
“In general, there is a lot of innovation in Formula E. It is essential to be fast with the electric car and at the same time manage energy. The main innovation that everyone can enjoy is the driving style. To manage longer distances, it is necessary to drive intelligently using the “lift and coast” strategy, that is, the driver lifts his foot off the accelerator (lift) and let the car slow down (coast) before stepping on the brakes or accelerating once more, in addition to having brakes that do not impair the performance of the car. For this, engine technology is the most important part. The execution must be perfect”, mentioned the electronics and systems engineer of the Nissan Formula E Team.
Since the beginning of the category, at the end of 2014, Formula E stands out for being a motorsport competition held on urban circuits, with the aim of offering the public a sustainable and non-polluting sport, which allows demonstrating the maximum performance of electric vehicles. Therefore, in line with the vision Nissan Ambition 2030, the Japanese automaker competes with its Formula E team, applying the development of all the technology of its electric cars. Nissan has a long-term commitment to electrification, as well as a vision of a zero-emissions future in all operations and throughout the lifecycle of its products.
About Nissan South America
A Nissan South America (NSAM) was created in 2020 as part of the Americas region, following the definition of a global company realignment plan. This business unit comprises the administrative operations of four subsidiaries: Brazil (founded in 2000), Argentina and Chile (founded in 2015) and Peru (founded in 2018), with the objective of accelerating the development of the brand through a portfolio diversified range of products and specific strategies for the benefit of consumers in South America. Learn more on our official Nissan LinkedIn profiles Argentina, Brazil, Chile e Perubesides the podcast “Nissan On Air”, no Spotify.
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