National Drive Electric Month
ELECTRATON NDEW'24
Guadalajara, Mexico
Oct 05 2024

Event Report

The 2024 edition of NDEW, in conjunction with ELECTRATON, transformed Guadalajara's 'KARTODROMO OSCAR CASILLAS' racetrack into a showcase for electric kart racing. Visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with the student designers and builders of these innovative eKarts. Jalisco, renowned for its rich racing heritage, provided an ideal backdrop for this demonstration of Mexico's emerging electric vehicle engineering talent.

The ELECTRATON night race proved to be a resounding success, drawing a significant crowd and showcasing the impressive capabilities of electric karts designed and built by engineering students from across Mexico. The event, which featured two distinct categories (Racer and Classic), provided a platform for these budding engineers to demonstrate their technical prowess and competitive spirit. Despite the challenges of sharing the track with other karting categories and racing under the night sky, the event delivered thrilling action and valuable learning experiences. Notably, the team from Tec de Monterrey Puebla campus emerged victorious in the Racer category, while ULSA Bajio claimed the top spot in the Classic category. Adding to the excitement, attendees were treated to driving demonstrations in a Tesla Cybertruck, courtesy of one of the championship's allies.

The 'Western Trophy' marked the fourth race of the college-designed eKart championship, the 27th since its inception in 1995, with eight universities participating. Representatives from NanoProtech, including Arturo del Rello, attended the race, presented product samples to the teams, and demonstrated the protective technology's ability to withstand weather-related damage. The race began with the green flag waved by the Engine Racing Club's officials, under the direction of race director Daniel Lopez. Salvador Rosas and his partner from iON Drive also supported the event, engaging students and participating in a discussion panel focused on the challenges of electromobility in Mexico. The round table discussion, along with a demonstration of the Nanoprotech protective layer's water resistance, was streamed live to audiences across North America

Event Highlights:

• Electric Kart Competition:
  • Eight teams from various Mexican universities participated, each fielding their meticulously engineered electric karts.
  • The competition was divided into two categories:
    • Racer: Focused on maximum performance and speed.
    • Classic: Focused on efficiency and reliability.
  • The track, shared with other karting categories, necessitated a nighttime race for the ELECTRATON event, adding an exciting dimension to the competition.
  • Tec de Monterrey Puebla campus excelled in the Racer category, demonstrating superior speed and handling.
  • ULSA Bajio demonstrated excellent balance of speed and efficiency winning the Classic category.
• Tesla Cybertruck Demonstrations:
  • A Tesla Cybertruck, provided by one of the championship's allies, was present for driving demonstrations.
  • This provided attendees with a glimpse into the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology and generated considerable interest.
• Attendance and Participation:
  • The event attracted approximately 400 visitors, including students, faculty, industry professionals, and members of the public.
  • The 8 participating teams comprised roughly 80 crew and staff members, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in the ELECTRATON project.
• Nighttime Race:
  • The race held at night added a layer of difficulty and excitement to the competition.
  • The night race demonstrated the reliability of the electrical systems designed by the students.
• Educational Impact:
  • The event provided invaluable hands-on experience for engineering students, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications.
  • It fostered a spirit of innovation and collaboration among students from different universities.
  • The event served as an excellent platform for networking between students and industry professionals.

Results:

• Racer Category Winner: Tec de Monterrey Puebla campus.
• Classic Category Winner: ULSA Bajio.

Conclusion:

The ELECTRATON night race was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and dedication of Mexican engineering students. The event's high attendance, competitive races, and engaging demonstrations contributed to a memorable and impactful experience for all involved. The ELECTRATON championship continues to play a vital role in promoting electric vehicle technology and fostering the next generation of engineers in Mexico.

photo by: Mike Miranda / ELECTRATON.com Photo collage event

More photos from this event.

Event Description

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