Talent and innovation of ETSETB students in the new CAT18x single-seater

Yesterday, the BCN eMotorsport team officially presented the new single-seater with which it will compete this season in the different races of the Formula Student: the CAT18x. The event served to raise awareness of the main technical challenges and objectives of a project that is the result of months of interdisciplinary work, developed by students from the Barcelona School of Industrial Engineering (ETSEIB) and the Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB).

From a technical perspective, the CAT18x marks a milestone for the team: for the first time, a single-seater weighing less than 200 kg has been achieved. This weight reduction, of more than 20 kg compared to the CAT17x, has been possible thanks to improvements introduced in the powertrain system, especially in the inverters and the battery, as well as the optimisation of the monocoque, the wheel assembly, and the electronic systems. The team has also successfully adapted to changes in aerodynamic regulations that limited the position of the rear wing, managing to improve the overall performance of the aerodynamic package and developing the most aerodynamically efficient vehicle in the history of the project.

Following the presentation, Telecos Square became a space for networking and technological dissemination, with an exhibition of several single-seaters from previous seasons: CAT4, CAT9e, CAT12e, Xaloc (CAT13d), and CAT14x. This exhibition allowed attendees to discover the evolution of the project over the years and the impact of the students' work on the technical development of the team. Some of the vehicles on display also exemplify the project's capacity for innovation and reuse: the CAT9e was reconditioned years ago as a simulator, while this season the CAT12e has been adapted for driver training.

The team has the support of around seventy companies and organisations, with Cupra as the main sponsor, including the Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub, which advises them on achieving 5G connectivity. The teaching staff at the ETSETB also play a prominent role in monitoring and providing technical advice for the project.

More information: Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub

More information: La Vanguardia

Previous Next

Video of the CAT18x presentation