During the presentation of the e-formula, in a crowded amphitheater at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the developmental journey of “Road Arrow” was showcased, from its founding in 2010 to the present day, along with all the successes and innovations that have been raised to a higher level each year. Since 2012, when they participated with their first car in Silverstone, UK, these young enthusiasts have built a total of nine vehicles with internal combustion engines and participated in more than 20 competitions across Europe.
Projektovanje i izrada vozila na električni pogon je zahtevan projekat i za stručnjake u savremenoj automobilskoj industriji, a ovi mladi ambiciozni ljudi pokazali su da su u korak sa savremenom tehnologijom.
Glavna inovacija je monokok šasija izrađena od karbonskih vlakana, koja u velikoj meri doprinosi poboljšanju aerodinamičkih i dinamičkih performansi vozila. Dinamiku elektro formule dodatno poboljšava i pogon na sva četiri točka u koje su smešteni elektromotori od 20 KW. Pored mnogih originalnih rešenja, razvili su i unikatne litijum-polimerske baterije koje vozilo snabdevaju energijom. Novina je da baterije stoje pored vozača, a ne iza njega kao što je slučaj kod drugih vozila.
Isprojektovali su i celokupnu elektroniku, uključujući sistem za nadzor baterije (bms), kontrolnu jedinicu motora (ecu), kontrolnu jedinicu za niskonaponske akomulatore, telemetriju i zaštitni sistem. Ove inovacije teorijski omogućavaju da elektro formula dostigne brzinu od 100 km na sat za manje od tri sekunde.
“Electric Vehicle – A New Stage in the Development of ‘Road Arrows'”
At the presentation of the e-formula, in a fairly packed amphitheater at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the developmental journey of “Road Arrows” from its establishment in 2010 to the present day was showcased, along with all the successes and innovations that have been continuously raised to a higher level over the years. Since 2012, when they participated with their first car in Silverstone, Great Britain, these young enthusiasts have built a total of nine vehicles with internal combustion engines and competed in more than 20 competitions across Europe.
The creation of the first electric formula marked a new stage in the development of “Road Arrows.” From the next season onwards, the team will be exclusively dedicated to designing e-vehicles, representing Serbia in prestigious Formula Student competitions in the future.
The creation of the first electric formula marks a new stage in the development of “Road Arrow.” From the next season onwards, the team will focus exclusively on designing e-vehicles to represent Serbia in prestigious Formula Student competitions.
“Tonight, we symbolically bid farewell to an important era of ‘Road Arrow.’ On this occasion, we thank all the people who, with their enthusiasm and perseverance, built this brand and created the conditions for the current team to proudly present their first electric vehicle,” said Bogdan Čarapić, leader of the Formula Student team “Road Arrow.”
Dušan Šoškić, leader of the e-project, reminded everyone that the vehicle’s design began in 2019, and the students have learned a great deal while working on this project. He thanked all alumni members, professors, and sponsors who have supported the “Road Arrow” project throughout the years, especially the main sponsor, the German company ZF Srbija.
“Road Arrow” – Bridging Belgrade University
Welcoming numerous guests, the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the first mentor of the Formula Student team “Road Arrow,” Prof. Dr. Vladimir Popović, emphasized how important it is to follow and believe in what the students do.
“An additional value of ‘Road Arrow’ is the collaboration between faculties. This project brings together students from five faculties of the University of Belgrade, the Military Academy, and the Faculty of Dramatic Arts. It’s an incredibly positive thing because we don’t have many common things that bring us together at the university. By presenting an electrically powered vehicle, we demonstrate that we carefully follow modern trends and move forward,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
Former Dean, Prof. Dr. Radivoje Mitrović, also greeted the audience. He recalled that the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has been educating engineers with excellent theoretical knowledge since its establishment. “However, that is not enough today. Besides top theoretical knowledge, it is necessary to add top practical skills, which we provided through continuous support to the ‘Road Arrow’ project and the establishment of the Students’ Excellence Center, which currently gathers five student teams engaged in various innovative projects,” emphasized Prof. Mitrović.
The deans and professors from faculties whose students are involved in the “Road Arrow” project also addressed the gathering.
“The concept of an electric vehicle is one of the most sophisticated platforms that connects experts from different fields. In that sense, the greatest value of the ‘Road Arrow’ project is precisely the integration of engineering and other disciplines,” said Prof. Dr. Petar Uskoković, Dean of the Faculty of Technological-Metallurgical Engineering.
The Vice Dean for Cooperation with Industry at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Prof. Dr. Kosta Jovanović, pointed out that projects like “Road Arrow” provide students with practical knowledge and other skills that are highly sought after in the job market today. “On the other hand, it sends a message to foreign investors that the educational sector in Serbia is capable and ready to support the latest technologies,” added Prof. Jovanović.
Proud Sponsor
Representing ZF Srbija, the main sponsor of the Formula Student team, the General Director, Mr. Milan Grujić, who is also a former student and graduate of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade, addressed the gathering.
“ZF Srbija is a proud sponsor but, above all, a friend of the ‘Road Arrow’ project. We were united by an ambitious vision of electromobility and a shared idea about the future of the automotive industry and its drivers and creators, whether it’s a leading company in the industry or students preparing to become one. In addition to intelligence, knowledge, persistence, creativity, readiness for change, and decisive problem-solving, the ‘Road Arrow’ team has shown an extraordinary ability to conceive and accomplish what they set out to do, and such people change the world,” emphasized Mr. Grujić.
