Introduction

 THE SPYDER

"Working and developing something that makes an impact is as exciting as it is challenging!!"

A Thrilling Ride at Genesis 16 Motorsports: SAEINDIA E Baja 2023

One year ago, I embarked on this journey with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Joining a new team was like starting a new chapter in my college life. I was eager to learn, contribute, develop innovative perspectives and offcourse teamwork.

The year 2022-23 brought a thrilling experience into my life as a member of the technical team at Genesis 16 Motorsports. We embarked on an exhilarating journey to participate in the SAEINDIA E Baja 2023 competition, where we designed and built an electric All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). In this blog, I'll share my memorable experience, insights into the competition, and how we brought our innovative ATV to life.

SAEINDIA E Baja 2023: The Competition

The SAEINDIA Baja series is an annual event that challenges engineering students from across the country to design and build off-road vehicles. In 2023, the competition took a groundbreaking turn by focusing on electric ATVs, in line with the global shift towards sustainable transportation.

The competition was held over the course of several months, starting with the release of the rulebook in September 2022. Teams from various engineering colleges and universities across India eagerly registered for the event. The competition aimed to foster innovation, teamwork, and technical expertise among the participating students.

Genesis 16 Motorsports: A Dream Team

Our team, Genesis 16 Motorsports, consisted of a diverse group of engineering students from different disciplines. We shared a passion for automobiles and were eager to contribute our technical knowledge to the project. As a technical team member, my role was to work on the vehicle's electrical and control systems.

But......As a Mechanics Physics enthusiastic the Suspension & Steering domain of vehicle system excited me more and under the guidance of seniors I understand the kinematics as well as the designs and procedure.

The Journey Begins!!

The journey began with months of rigorous planning, brainstorming sessions, and design discussions. We had to consider every aspect of the vehicle, from the chassis and suspension to the powertrain and battery management system. The competition required us to design an electric ATV that could navigate rough terrains, handle challenging obstacles, and meet stringent safety standards.

In addition to the technical challenges, we had to manage our budget, procure materials, and coordinate with sponsors to make our project a reality. The entire team was fueled by a shared commitment to success and a passion for innovation.

Phases of Competition

Starting with Preliminary round the path went to the virtuals in december where we presented the precise Designs, dimensions, stimulations, diagram,analysis and the Business' strategy of our product which is one of the part of virtuals presentation. Team was successful in securing good ranking in both the phases and also kept on learning and implementing new technique. The last and final phase which was on site event was organised at Chitkara University where the vehicle went through physical tests and race!

Technical Challenges

Designing an electric ATV posed several technical challenges. We had to select the right electric motor, batteries, and controllers, the brake system & chassis design according to rulebook, suspension design & hardpoints and steering geometry to ensure optimal performance and efficiency along with proper safety measures. Yes designing and manufacturing the safe vehicle is one of the primary requirement and protocol of the competition. Also Our vehicle needed to be powerful enough to tackle off-road conditions while remaining lightweight and durable.

Moreover, we had to develop a sophisticated Low voltage system to manage the power delivery, RTDS, and other required aspects ATV according to the Rulebook. This required a deep understanding of mechanics & electrical engineering, software stimulations, programming and real-time data analysis.

Testing and Iteration

As the competition deadline approached, we conducted extensive Software testing and iterations to fine-tune our ATV. The testing phase allowed us to identify weaknesses and make necessary improvements to ensure the vehicle's reliability and safety. We had to be prepared for any challenge the competition would throw at us.

The ONSITE Event Phase 3

Finally, the competition weekend arrived in April 2023. Teams from all over the country gathered at the event venue with their electric ATVs. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation. Each team was evaluated on various parameters, including design, cost, presentation, and most importantly, vehicle performance in dynamic events.

Our electric ATV performed admirably in the dynamic events, including acceleration, brakes, and endurance. It was a proud moment to see our creation navigate challenging terrains and conquer obstacles with ease. While the competition was tough, it was the camaraderie among teams that stood out the most. Teams shared knowledge, experiences, and a mutual love for engineering.

Finally!!

Participating in the SAEINDIA E Baja 2023 competition with Genesis 16 Motorsports was an unforgettable experience. It pushed us to our limits, tested our engineering skills, and allowed us to showcase our innovation and teamwork and secure good All India Ranking! .The knowledge and memories gained during this journey are invaluable.

The future of transportation lies in sustainable and electric vehicles, and events like SAEINDIA E Baja are instrumental in nurturing the talent and creativity of young engineers. I am proud to have been a part of this adventure, and I look forward to more challenges and opportunities in the world of automotive engineering.