DMS-24

Our most successful car ever

The DMS-24 has been Dalhousie FSAE EV’s most successful car to date. The goal of the DMS-24 was to improve on the DMS-23’s strong frame and good handling and make a car that was both more reliable as well as quicker. Although the exterior maintained its overall appearance a significant portion of the internal componentry changed. The largest change that was implemented was the redesign of our battery electronics, and low voltage systems. The battery received new custom electronics and wiring harnesses all of which were designed and manufactured in house. Our vehicle control system was also completely overhauled, at the center of this overhaul was the new voltage control unit (VCU) designed and manufactured in house (of course). The drivetrain also received a total redesign, switching from a belt drive to a chain drive. This allowed for higher reliability and greater power tolerance. A new pedal deck, dashboard, and firewalls significantly improved the DMS-24’s drivability and workability. The car was up and driving in March and was tuned and readied for competition in May.

We competed at Formula Hybrid + Electric in New Hampshire in early May. The car passed all technical inspections, making our team eligible to participate in dynamic events in addition to the static events. We earned 1st place for the project management presentation, placing 3rd overall for the project management event. In the acceleration event, we placed 10th as we were dealing with minor technical issues; however after some trouble shooting the car went into the autocross and endurance events in top form. During autocross (a timed lap around a short and technical track) we placed 5th. The endurance event is where our car came to life. The improved battery, sharp handling, and of course fast drivers led us to a 1st place finish! Overall we finished 4th in the competition, Dalhousie FSAE EV’s best ever result! Check out the gallery for competition photos.