Rohm is to sponsor German student electric racing car enthusiasts Team Starcraft, of the Technical University Ilmenau.

Formula Student, accordinr to Rohm, has three divisions: combustion vehicles, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles. “Teams compete in an international design and racing competition that is not just about the fastest car. The goal of every team is to achieve the optimal overall package of construction, performance, and financial and sales planning.” TU Ilmenau has been active in Formula Student since 2006.

As part of the cooperation, Rohm will provide students with its products, as well as financial support.

“It’s nice to see how much heart and soul the students put into their work,” said Rohm European president Toshimitsu Suzuki. “Rohm is proud to support the next generation of top engineers and contribute to the mobility of tomorrow.”

The car in the photo is the TSC 06E, a four-wheel drive vehicle in which silicon carbide mosfets deliver a peak of 140kW to the wheel from a 8.3kWh battery. Weighing 177kg, it reaches 100km/h in 2.2s. Each wheel has its own 15.49 gearbox (see diagram) to take the motor’s 20,000rpm down, and the torque up to 325Nm/wheel.