By Jin Lu

Students at Ningbo University are designing, building and racing their own electric formula-style cars, gaining hands-on engineering experience while preparing for one of China's most demanding university motorsport competitions.

The Changhua Racing Team was formed in 2014 under the auspices of the university's School of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, bringing together students from multiple disciplines, including engineering, business and information science. The students design and assemble most of their race cars independently.

Their goal is to compete in Formula Student Electric China (FSEC), a national contest organized by the China Society of Automotive Engineers. The competition challenges university students to design, build and test electric formula-style cars, which would then go through engineering reviews and on-track performance trials.

"Except for standardized components and the motor, we independently developed almost all other key parts," said Zhang Xuning, a sophomore majoring in vehicle engineering. "Design is the most challenging stage because all systems must meet strict requirements while functioning together in synchronicity."

Each team must submit their engineering designs, cost analyses and business plans. Their vehicles must pass detailed technical inspections and compete on acceleration, efficiency endurance, and other metrics.

Participants say the project offers practical training that goes far beyond classroom learning.

"FSEC closely reflects real-world industry standards," said Li Bin, a junior responsible for chassis and ergonomics design. "We learn not only how to build a car but also how to manage complex engineering projects."

The team's current design can reach speeds of nearly 100 km/h in testing. After winning a national third prize last year, members are now developing a new model equipped with dual motors as they aim for stronger results in future competitions.