Zero to 62 mph in 1.5 seconds: Formula Student Team breaks world record with an electric racing car.

A student team (back by BMW Group) just smashed the acceleration record for electric cars by hitting 0 to100 km/h in a blistering 1.513 seconds. Students of the ETH Zurich and Lucerne University developed the car and set the record during the preparatory phase of the Formula Student.

The car hit 100 km/h within a distance of less than 30 metres on a military airbase near Zurich, breaking the previous record which stood at 1.779 seconds. The lightweight car uses carbon fiber and weighs a scant 168 kg. Power comes from four wheel hub motors that transfer 200 hp of power to the tarmac via four-wheel drive technology.

“In the Formula Student, students are able to apply knowledge gained from their studies to everyday practice in a unique way,“ says Oliver Ferschke, head of BMW Group Human Resources Marketing. “In the process, social and key competences as well as practical know-how and business expertise are acquired and deepened. As a result, we are able to help young engineers attain important qualifications and enjoy themselves doing it.“