Ryukoku University's School of Advanced Science and Technology wins first place in the university student division of the next-generation energy motorsport "Ene-1" and takes second place in the overall division

　Ene-1 is a next-generation energy motorsport that was established as a place for the next generation to challenge themselves to create the future of energy and mobility, and is powered by 40 AA rechargeable batteries. Currently, there are no modified commercially available vehicles or competition-specific vehicles for sale to participate in Ene-1, so participants must conceive and design their own vehicles and create vehicles that meet the rules of the competition. Therefore, it can be said that it is a worthwhile competition in which the efforts made by participants to fully utilize their creativity are actually shaped into a vehicle and the results are left behind.

　While the machines of the top Ene-1 teams often use lightweight, high-strength composite materials, Ryukoku Racing's vehicles do not use composite materials, but instead use wood for the machine frame. Because this is a forum for competing in future eco-mobility technology, they did not use materials for which disposal methods have not been established, and they built their competition vehicles with sustainability in mind.

　The School of Advanced Science and Engineering has set aside about three months (from mid-June to early September of the third year) consisting of the second quarter of the third year and the summer vacation as the "R-Gap" period during which students can take the initiative in their activities. During this period, students engage in surveys and research activities with their own ideas, with the aim of cultivating their initiative and problem-solving skills.

　"Ryukoku Racing" is a team that was born from this R-Gap, and a total of 11 members including students from the School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, and faculty participated in this tournament, and achieved their long-awaited first victory in the university student division, DivNEXT-b. They also came in second in the overall division, DivNEXT.

*The classes in which "Ene-1" will compete are "Div-1" and "DivNEXT". Div-1 has no vehicle weight limit, and the materials used in the machine are free. DivNEXT has no vehicle weight limit, and carbon and CFRP materials cannot be used for the frame, exterior, or cover.
*CRFP materials that do not use a mold for adhesion purposes can be used.

Reference: [Ryukoku University] Won the university student division and came second in the overall division at the 2024 Ene-1 MOTEGI GP [Faculty of Advanced Science and Engineering]