Students make an electric car that runs 900km on a single charge

The Helia, developed by Cambridge University students, has an energy consumption rate of only 1/10 compared to current commercial electric vehicles.

Helia electric cars participate in a race in Australia on 13-14 October.(Photo: University of Cambridge).

Helia is the brainchild of Eco Eco's team from Cambridge University - consisting of 20 students, led by program director Xiaofan Zhang. This is a high performance 4-seater electric vehicle, capable of traveling 900km of distance on a single charge.

Thanks to the lightweight carbon fiber frame design, the bike weighs only 550kg. When carrying 4 people, it can run at a maximum speed of 120 km / h and cruise speed of about 80 km / h. The car is described as 10 times more fuel efficient than electric cars currently on the market.

Helia trams were on display at the London Science Museum on August 19.(Photo: University of Cambridge).

The vehicle's high performance comes not only from its lightweight construction, but also by its aerodynamic design and low-rolling resistance tire - which helps reduce friction between the rubber surface of the tire and the road. On the roof of the car is also installed solar panels with 25% efficiency with a total surface area of ​​5m2.

Even without a solar cell, the Helia still has twice the range of current Tesla electric vehicles. The vehicle battery system can be charged using a standard electric charger. The Eco Eco racing team says it will hold Helia trams tours at schools across the UK next summer, with the aim of inspiring future generations of engineers.

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