NUST Formula Student Team - Electric Vehicle

NUST Formula Student Team (NFST) is the first formula student team of Pakistan that conceives, designs, and fabricates a student version of an F1 race car to participate in the prestigious engineering-design competition, Formula Student. The main objective of the competition, "Formula Student," is to nurture enterprising and innovative young engineers while encouraging more young people to pursue careers in engineering. NFST's ultimate aim is to develop a competitive and high-performance electric vehicle, contributing to the global shift towards a more eco-friendly environment. Additionally, the team seeks to inspire the young generation in Pakistan to take an interest in STEM fields.

Inception and Mission

The NFST project was initiated in 2012 with the aspiration of creating a formula student team that would represent Pakistan on an international platform. The team aimed to showcase the engineering prowess of Pakistani students and provide them with hands-on experience in designing and fabricating a high-performance race car. By participating in Formula Student competitions, the team also wanted to set a benchmark for engineering graduates, demonstrating their skills and readiness for the motorsport industry and the engineering job market. Recognizing the growing importance of sustainable engineering solutions, the team made a strategic decision to shift from the Combustion Vehicle Category to the Electric Vehicle Category, thus aligning with the global need of electrification and environmental consciousness.

Development Process

NFST follows a systematic approach to develop their car, designed diligently as per the rules and regulations of the competition. The team starts with conceiving and designing the vehicle, carefully planning each aspect to optimize performance and efficiency. Throughout the design process, the car is thoroughly tested and evaluated, with various iterations made to make continuous improvements. After the design phase, they proceed with the fabrication process, where the car's components and structure are built and assembled. Rigorous technical inspections are carried out to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards, guaranteeing the car's readiness for the demanding challenges of the competition.

To compete in Formula Student competitions, NFST has to take part in various events such as Design, Cost & Manufacturing, and Lap Time Simulation. The team's expertise in engineering, business planning, and project management is put to the test during these events, where they aim to outperform and outrank teams from prestigious universities worldwide.

This is a video showcasing NUST Formula Student Team's last year vehicle, NAS'22.

Milestones

Since its inception in 2012, NFST has achieved several milestones, marking their progress and continuous improvement:

2015: Became the first FS Team from Pakistan to clear the rigorous technical inspection.

2018: Achieved the distinction of being the first FS Team from Pakistan to get into the top 10 teams in the Business Plan Presentation.

2019: Secured the 3rd position in the Design Event of FSUK, making history as the first FS Team from Pakistan to achieve this feat.

2022 & 2023: Became the only FS team from Asia to qualify for all FS Netherlands, FS Austria, FS Germany, and FSUK by clearing the hard registration quiz.

2023: Participated in the concept class of FSUK, achieving 1st position in LTS (Lap Time Simulation) Event and 6th Position in Design and Cost & Manufacturing Event, culminating in an overall 6th position at Formula Student UK (Concept Class), surpassing several top-notch international teams.

NFST at Formula Student UK 2023, celebrating their first position in LTS Event.

Fostering Collaboration with Schools & Colleges

Beyond their own project, NFST collaborates with Cedar College to help students participate in the F1 in Schools competition. They conduct knowledge transfer sessions, sharing their experience and expertise to develop valuable skills in business, design, and engineering among young students.

PCBWay Collaboration

The collaboration with PCBWay holds paramount importance for the NFST project. As the team transitions from the Combustion Vehicle Category to the Electric Vehicle Category, the need for high-quality and custom-designed Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) becomes crucial in developing a more efficient and effective electric race car. PCBWay's support in manufacturing PCBs can provide invaluable resources, and cutting-edge components necessary for the successful integration of advanced electronics into the electric vehicle. By partnering with PCBWay, NFST can ensure that their PCBs meet the highest industry standards, contributing to the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle.

The collaboration with PCBWay further strengthens their resolve to push the boundaries of engineering excellence and inspire the next generation of STEM enthusiasts too.