The Unprecedented Feat of Acceleration

The Unprecedented Feat of Acceleration: How ETH Zurich and Lucerne University Shattered Electric Vehicle Records

The Genesis of Speed: The Story Behind "Mythen"

When it comes to shattering world records, a team of students from ETH Zurich and Lucerne University has set a new standard. They have created a masterpiece of automotive engineering named "Mythen," an open-cockpit, single-seater electric car that's taken the world by storm. Not only has the Guinness World Records recognized this monumental achievement, but it has also redefined what we thought possible for electric vehicle (EV) acceleration.

Record-Breaking Capabilities: An In-depth Analysis

"Mythen" is no ordinary electric car. It's a machine specifically engineered to redefine limits. The previous acceleration record for an electric vehicle stood at 1.461 seconds for a 0-62 mph sprint, set by a University of Stuttgart team in September 2022. Mythen obliterated this record, completing the same sprint in an unbelievable 0.956 seconds.

The Unsung Heroes: A Shoutout to Academic Motorsports Club Zurich (AMZ)

This project was not a flash-in-the-pan endeavor. The team, part of the Academic Motorsports Club Zurich (AMZ), spent nearly a year on the drawing board and in the workshop to bring "Mythen" to life. According to an AMZ spokesperson, the car was originally a part of the 2019 Formula Student season but underwent significant alterations, distancing it from the strict Formula Student regulations.

A Race Against Titans: Comparing Mythen to Industry Leaders

To understand the staggering achievement, let's put it in perspective. Even the high-speed McMurtry Speirling and the Rimac Nevera pale in comparison. These beasts can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 1.4 and 1.81 seconds, respectively. Even Formula E cars lag behind with a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 2.8 seconds. Mythen's record is not just a victory; it's a complete reimagining of what electric cars can do.

Inside the Powerhouse: Unpacking Mythen's Engineering Marvels

Underneath its unassuming exterior, Mythen is a treasure trove of ingenuity. Weighing a mere 309 pounds, it was developed in-house, right from the printed circuit boards to the chassis and battery. Using a lightweight carbon and aluminum honeycomb structure and a self-developed four-wheel hub motor system with an output of 326 horsepower, Mythen boasts an awe-inspiring power-to-weight ratio exceeding one horsepower per pound.

Aerodynamics: The Silent Force Multiplier

As Dario Messerli, AMZ's head of aerodynamics, puts it, "Raw power is not the only game-changer." The team meticulously focused on aerodynamics, developing a unique vacuum system that holds the car to the ground through suction, allowing more effective power transfer.

Formula Student Contributions: A Brief History

This isn't the first time a Formula Student team has set records. In 2016, another ETH Zurich team clocked a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 1.5 seconds, marking a milestone in the ever-evolving realm of electric vehicle capabilities.

Conclusion: The Future of Electric Vehicle Acceleration

"Mythen" isn't just a car; it's a revolution in the world of electric vehicles. It has opened up new possibilities, setting the stage for future developments. As electric cars evolve, the accomplishments of ETH Zurich and Lucerne University serve as a beacon for what's achievable, daring us to dream bigger, reach farther, and accelerate faster.