The electric formula raced in Italy. The UWB team held its own against European competition

This year, the student team from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (UWB) introduced its second electric formula car. At the Formula SAE 2025 race in Italy, the team completed all disciplines and secured 16th place overall, ranking in the top ten in the endurance and efficiency categories.

The UWB eRacing Team Pilsen presented its second electric race car, the UWB E02, for the 2025 season. It followed up on UWB’s first-ever electric formula, developed last year, which won third place at a race in Portugal. The new car features all-wheel drive, an 80 kW output, and a lightweight design—despite additional motors, the car weighs only 210 kg. The students brought the car to this year’s international races for testing in competition.

In Italy, they raced on the Riccardo Paletti circuit near Varano. At Formula SAE Italy 2025, held from September 10 to 14, the team successfully passed technical inspections in time and was able to participate in all disciplines. They finished 16th overall, and achieved top ten rankings in Skidpad, Endurance, and Efficiency—categories evaluating speed, reliability, and energy consumption.

While last year’s 3rd place in Portugal may seem more attractive, this year's result holds greater value for the team. “Breaking into the average of strong European competition means much more to us than a podium finish in a smaller field. The 2025 season showed that we can keep up with the best and are gradually building a stronger position among them,” said team leader Ondřej Lukeš from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

Before the Italian race, the team also competed in the domestic Formula Student Czech Republic 2025, held at the Most circuit from August 4 to 10. Although the team didn't manage to complete technical inspections in time—limiting their participation in dynamic events—they still performed well in static events. Their greatest success came in the Business Plan Presentation, where the team achieved the best result among Czech participants.

“The biggest surprise for me was placing 17th out of 53 teams in the Business Plan Presentation despite limited time and resources. The competition was really tough, including some of the best teams in the world. That’s why it meant so much to me when members of the jury approached me afterward to express their recognition. It’s a huge motivation for me to keep going and give even more next time,” said Petra Vinšová from the Faculty of Economics.

Much of the team’s success is thanks to its partners and sponsors. Their support is crucial—without it, the team couldn’t manage the demanding development, production, or participation in competitions. The support from the University of West Bohemia also plays a vital role, providing facilities that allow students to grow their technical and organizational skills and continually advance the project.

However, the team also needs new members. The UWB eRacing Team Pilsen invites students from the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Economics, and Applied Sciences to join. Everyone who gets involved can be part of a project that combines the development of mechanical and electronic systems, car construction, testing, racing, creative problem-solving, and sponsor communication—offering a unique experience in a real-world engineering and team environment.

You can meet the team in person on September 19 at Republic Square in Pilsen during the Science and Technology Day. Visitors will be able to take a close look at this year’s race car, try out a racing simulator, and learn how to join this one-of-a-kind student project. A week later, on September 26, the team will also appear at the Night of Scientists event at the university campus in Bory.