The Łukasiewicz Research Network – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology (Łukasiewicz – GIT) has been supporting the PolSl Racing team from the Silesian University of Technology for several years in the implementation of ambitious engineering projects related to the construction of Formula Student race cars. This long-standing cooperation has also contributed to the team’s latest vehicle, the SW-06e electric race car, which was officially unveiled at PreZero Arena Gliwice. The event brought together representatives of academia, industry, project partners and sponsors, as well as motorsport enthusiasts.
The latest PolSl Racing vehicle is the result of the work of more than 100 students from the Silesian University of Technology, representing nearly all university faculties, ranging from mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering to computer science, automation and logistics. The project was highly interdisciplinary, combining expertise from numerous engineering fields while providing students with practical experience in the design, construction and testing of advanced racing vehicles.
Since the beginning of our collaboration, Łukasiewicz – GIT has been supporting the PolSl Racing team in the field of joining technologies. In previous years, the collaboration included specialist welding work on the load-bearing structure of successive generations of racing cars, including their chassis, as well as other key structural components. The Institute’s experts also provided technical advice on the selection of materials and manufacturing technologies for components such as steering knuckles and wheel hubs. Currently, Mateusz Sowa, BEng, MSc a graduate of the Silesian University of Technology and former Head of the Marketing and Sponsorship Team at PolSl Racing, is working together with Maciej Piotrowski, BEng, MSc., to support students in the design and assembly of the engine housing and the traction battery for the electric racing car. At the same time, mechanical strength tests are being carried out on the welded joints used in the vehicle’s structure to verify their quality and reliability under demanding operating conditions.
Thanks to the involvement of experts from the Welding Centre of Łukasiewicz – GIT, students have access to specialist knowledge and experience gained through the implementation of advanced industrial projects. This collaboration is an example of an effective combination of scientific potential, practical engineering expertise and the needs of modern automotive engineering.
SW-06e – The Seventh PolSl Racing Vehicle and the Team’s Fifth Electric Race Car
The SW-06e, unveiled during the official launch event, is the seventh vehicle in the history of the PolSl Racing team and its fifth fully electric race car. The project was developed with the aim of competing in the international Formula Student 2026 competitions.
The engineers focused on further reducing the vehicle’s weight, improving drivetrain efficiency, and enhancing aerodynamic and traction performance. The race car weighs just 267 kg and is powered by an 80 kW electric motor, supported by a proprietary 7 kWh battery pack operating at 550 V. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, with an estimated top speed of approximately 110 km/h.
One of the most innovative solutions implemented in the vehicle is a proprietary inverter developed entirely by the students. PolSl Racing is the first Formula Student team in Poland to successfully design and implement such a solution independently.
Technology, Experience and the Education of Future Engineers
Formula Student is not only an international motorsport competition but, above all, a platform for developing engineering competencies. Students independently design, manufacture and test vehicle components, confronting academic knowledge with real-world design and technological challenges.
The cooperation between Łukasiewicz – GIT and the PolSl Racing team demonstrates the importance of combining the experience of research experts with the creativity and commitment of young engineers. Through initiatives such as this, students acquire the skills and competencies essential for their future professional careers, while research institutions contribute to the development of modern technologies.
The PolSl Racing team is now approaching the most important stage of the season: participation in Formula Student Germany at the Hockenheimring and Formula Student Poland in Słomczyn. It is there that the SW-06e will compete against the best student-built race cars from around the world, and the team’s months of hard work will be put to the test in both static and dynamic events.
Łukasiewicz – GIT is keeping its fingers crossed for the PolSl Racing team and wishes them every success in this year’s competition.
