The University of Malta’s UM Racing Team stands as the country’s sole Formula Student outfit, and this year the team has pushed the envelope again with the EV24, an electric race car that exemplifies discipline, design ingenuity, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration. Designed, engineered, funded, and constructed entirely by students, the EV24 is gearing up to represent Malta at Silverstone’s international motorsport event in the summer.
From Concept Sketch to Silverstone Track: The Full Lifecycle of the EV24
Every season, the UM Racing Team tackles every phase of the race‑car project. It begins with ideation sessions where engineering, economics, and science students converge to map out the vehicle’s specifications. Sketches evolve into CAD models, then to 3‑D‑printed prototypes, and finally into a fully functional electric powertrain that must meet Formula Student rules and safety standards.
Key development stages include:
- Design & Simulation – Using advanced software packages such as CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, and MATLAB/Simulink, students model aerodynamics, chassis stiffness, and power‑train performance.
- Procurement & Fabrication – Students negotiate with suppliers, source composite and aluminum components, and fabricate the chassis in the university’s workshops.
- Assembly & Integration – A meticulous process ensures that the battery, motor, drivetrain, and control electronics fit together within strict weight limits.
- Testing & Optimization – On the campus track, the EV24 undergoes acceleration, braking, and endurance tests. Data collected during these runs steers final adjustments.
- Documentation & Presentation – Throughout, each student keeps detailed logs and prepares presentations for judges, sponsors, and regulators.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The Secret to UM Racing’s Success
What sets the UM Racing Team apart is its all‑faculty recruitment strategy. Students from the School of Engineering, the School of Economics and Management, and the School of Science bring complementary skill sets to the table. Engineers handle the mechanical and electrical details; economists manage budgets, sponsorship negotiations, and financial feasibility; scientists contribute data analysis, materials research, and performance metrics.
This blend of expertise enables the team to tackle complex problems holistically. For example, during the power‑train selection, economists evaluated cost‑benefit ratios of different battery chemistries, while engineers tested torque curves and thermal loads. Together they chose a Li‑ion pack that balanced energy density, safety, and price.
EV Technology on the Cutting Edge
The EV24 is not just a prototype; it is a showcase of contemporary electric‑vehicle (EV) technology adapted to the high‑performance demands of Formula Student competitions.
- Low‑Resistance Motor – A custom brushless DC motor provides high peak torque at low RPM, essential for the rapid acceleration needed on the Silverstone circuit.
- Battery Management System (BMS) – Integrated with the vehicle’s onboard computer, the BMS monitors cell health, temperature, and energy flow to prevent over‑discharge and thermal runaway.
- Regenerative Braking – The car’s downhill performance is improved by reclaiming kinetic energy, extending usable battery life during a race.
- Lightweight Materials – The chassis utilizes carbon‑fiber composites and aluminum alloys that keep mass low while maintaining structural integrity.
These technologies have been refined through round‑the‑clock testing, and the EV24 has already shown promising lap times and reliability in preliminary runs.
Student Impact: Beyond the Pitch of the Car
The hands‑on experience offered by the UM Racing Team translates into real‑world skills that are highly valued by industry. Participants report gains in:
- Project Management – Managing schedule, budget, and scope drives confidence in coordinating cross‑functional teams.
- Technical Problem‑Solving – From thermal management to aerodynamic tweaks, students learn to troubleshoot under pressure.
- Entrepreneurial Acumen – Securing sponsorships and negotiating partnerships cultivates business‑savvy thinking.
- Communication – Delivering concise technical presentations to judges and stakeholders hones both written and verbal messaging.
Graduates of the program routinely move into automotive design roles, electrical engineering, or start‑up ventures that demand rapid prototyping and iterative design.
How to Get Involved: Admissions and Opportunities
If the blend of engineering, business strategy, and practical tinkering captured your attention, consider joining the UM Racing Team or enrolling in one of the university’s engineering tracks that lead directly into motorsport disciplines.
Here are steps you can take to be part of this dynamic community:
- Apply for the University of Malta undergraduate programmes in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.
- Attend a campus tour to see the workshop facilities and meet current team members. Schedule a visit here.
- Sign up for the on‑site engineering outreach events to see students working with prototypes.
- Follow or join the UM Racing Team’s social‑media channels for updates and behind‑the‑scenes content.
- Submit an application to join the team. Learn more about the application process by contacting the team coordinator via email.
Showcase Video and Live Updates
The team has documented their preparation journey in a series of engaging videos. Watch the developmental highlights to see the EV24 take shape from a cloud of designs to a fully assembled electric race car: EV24 Development Trailer
For live coverage as the EV24 gears up for Silverstone, keep an eye on the university’s News Portal and follow the team’s racing updates.
Supporting EV Racing: The Wider Impact on Malta’s Vehicle Ecosystem
The success of the UM Racing Team has ripple effects beyond academia. The research into high‑performance EV components feeds local manufacturers, and the visibility of a national team competing internationally helps position Malta as a credible player in the global automotive arena.
Furthermore, the team’s open‑source design files and data sets serve as learning tools for other universities around the world, strengthening the international motorsport education community.
Call to Action: Shape the Future of Electric Mobility
Be part of a tradition that marries academic rigor with real‑world engineering. Whether you aspire to become the next senior engineer, a student entrepreneur, or simply a motorsport enthusiast, the UM Racing Team offers a platform to grow.
- Apply now to the University of Malta’s mechanical engineering program and explore a pathway to motorsport.
- Visit the campus to see the workshops where the EV24 was built.
- Follow the team on social media for updates, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Join the discussion on the university’s online forum and share your ideas for the next generation of electric race cars.
Mercedes‑Benz, Toyota, and other industry leaders look for talent that understands the intersection of powertrains, materials, and data. The University of Malta’s EV24 and its graduates position you perfectly for those roles.
To learn more, visit the full news release and explore related articles about the team’s achievements on the U‑M website.
