TE Connectivity (TE) parts are helping out in the race to build an electric car designed to travel at 400 miles per hour. Only a handful of gasoline-powered cars have ever achieved that speed, a feat which has, so far, been out of reach for electric vehicles.
TE is part of the SMART@CAR Consortium at The Ohio State University's Center for Automotive Research in Columbus, Ohio. As part of that group, the company has provided parts and support to help build the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3 (VBB-3), a student-designed, battery-powered supercar.
Our high-voltage connectors are an essential part of the VBB-3's custom-built power system and drivetrain. There are also TE components in the car's battery system, which is supplied by A123 Systems, a TE customer.
"The student team that designs, builds and tests the VBB-3 would not exist without our industry partners," said David Emerling, industry collaboration director for Ohio State's Center for Automotive Research and the Ohio Manufacturing Institute. "They could not do it without TE and all of our sponsors.“
A Closer Look at this Super-Fast Electric Car
The VBB-3 is not like any electric car – or any vehicle – you've ever driven.
It looks like a missile. Its carbon-fiber wrapped aerodynamic shape is designed to allow it to reach ultra-high speeds across Utah's famous Bonneville Salt Flats without crashing or going airborne. The driver sits in a safety cell made from a modified IndyCar frame. When it's time to slow down, the driver deploys parachutes along with jet brakes.
The VBB-2.5, a predecessor to the current model, already owns the world electric car speed record, having reached 307 miles per hour in official trials in 2010. The team was going to make an attempt on the record in September, but the salt flats were flooded and time trials were impossible. The Ohio State team is charging ahead, though, already planning their next attempt.
Benefits of our Ohio State Teaming
Our teaming with Ohio State helps give TE insight into new engineering research and advanced testing capabilities while giving us a window into the future of electric vehicles.
"We're looking to leverage more of that capability and knowledge to further innovate and enhance our product offerings," said Steve Rohr, Global Director of Advanced Technical Marketing.
Donated products
| Hybrid & Electric Mobility Solutions | DEUTSCH Connectors |
|---|---|
TE AMP+ High Current Connector Systems HVP 800 |
TE DEUTSCH Connectors - DRB Series High-density thermoplastic bulkhead connector with silicone rubber grommets suitable for on- and off-highway applications |
TE AMP+ Electric Vehicle Contactor (EVC) 135 Datasheet Electric Vehicle Contactor (EVC) 135 Additional information about high voltage connection / protection |
TE DEUTSCH Connectors - DRC Series Technical manual DEUTSCH DRC Series The environmentally sealed DRC Series is a rectangular connector series that offers insert arrangements of 24, 40, 50, 60, 64, 70, 76, and 80 cavities and accept size 12, 16, and 20 contacts. Several mounting options are available including in-line, flange mount, and PCB mount |
TE AMP+ High Voltage Contactors (EVC) 500-500L Data sheet High Voltage Contactors (EVC) 500-500L Additional information about high voltage connection / protection |
TE DEUTSCH Connectors - HD30 series Technical Manual DEUTSCH HD30 series EUTSCH HD/HDP Series environmental connectors offer the advantages of decreased costs and upgraded performance. Designed to withstand years of abuse, the DEUTSCH HD/HDP Series is setting the pace in the heavy equipment industry. |
TE DEUTSCH Connectors - DT Series Technical Manual DEUTSCH DT Series DEUTSCH DT Series of environmentally-sealed connectors are designed specifically for cable to cable applications on the engine or transmission, under the hood, on the chassis or in the cab. In signal level circuits in harsh environmental conditions, where even a small degradation in connection may be critical, the DEUTSCH DT Series general purpose connectors help provide the reliability and performance at the lowest cost. |
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