The hybridization of a Formula race car

Hybrid electric vehicles are advantageous under formula racing rules, when allowed. A series hybrid drive train was installed in a Formula SAE car, using off-the-shelf engine, generator, ultracapacitors, and AC motor drive. A DC-DC converter was developed to charge the ultracapacitors with constant power at varying voltage. A 75 m acceleration run is completed in 6 seconds. This is slower than the predicted 4.2 seconds in part due to tires slipping.