EV RV for the masses

Problem Statement:
The project scope was to develop two high-performance electric vehicle (EV) race cars using Audi donor vehicles for a startup OEM. The primary challenge was to ensure these vehicles could deliver 1000 horsepower and achieve speeds of 200 mph while integrating complex electrical systems that had never been used together before.

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Solution:
To address this challenge, the team managed the electrical integration and overall project execution by leveraging multidisciplinary expertise. The focus was on ensuring the proper integration of the electrical wiring harness, the startup of the vehicles' electrical systems, and the seamless functioning of all software and hardware components.

 

Execution:
As the principal electrical engineering manager, my role involved:

 

- Team Management: Coordinating an international team of multidisciplinary engineers and managing sub-contractors to achieve project goals.

 

- Technical Integration: Ensuring the proper installation and integration of the electrical wiring harness and providing accurate schematics to the team. Supervising the integration and functional checks of the software for the vehicle control unit, traction control units, and other components.

 

- Software Tools: Utilizing various project management and engineering tools such as Click Up, Microsoft Project, Vector Tools, Preevision, Canalyzer, Canape, and New Eagle Raptor to maintain timelines and manage project progress. Training the team on these tools.

 

- High and Low Voltage Working: Assembling 800V battery packs, diagnosing high voltage electrical architecture and components, and leading the diagnosis of various electrical concerns.

 

- Communication and Collaboration: Implementing effective communication strategies, including weekly touchpoint meetings, nightly letters, daily stand-ups, and managers’ close-out meetings to ensure clear and consistent communication. Applying critical thinking techniques like the "5 Whys" to identify and solve problems.

 

- Logistics and Support: Managing international and local team travel, supplier shipments, and timelines to ensure on-time delivery of parts.

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Result:
The collaborative effort and effective management practices resulted in the successful development of two high-performance EV race cars. These vehicles met the stringent performance criteria and were successfully showcased in the OEM's marketing tour across the country. This project demonstrated the team's ability to innovate and deliver under pressure, making it a rewarding and exhilarating experience for everyone involved.

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