SEVC

The Solar Electric Vehicle Championship (SEVC) is a prominent national-level competition that challenges student teams to design, build, and race innovative solar-powered electric vehicles. It aims to promote sustainable engineering, creativity, and practical problem-solving among future engineers by providing a real-world platform that mirrors current industry trends and green mobility goals.

Competition Structure

Participants compete by following strict rulebook specifications, taking their vehicles through design, manufacturing, and dynamic testing rounds that emphasize innovation, safety, and real-world engineering. The event fosters technical skills, teamwork, and industry exposure among future engineers.

Static Events: These include Cost Analysis, Business Presentation, and Engineering Design. The Engineering Design event assesses the creativity, technical soundness, and innovation in the vehicle's design.

Dynamic Events: These consist of Acceleration, Skid Pad, Autocross, and Endurance tests, evaluating the vehicle's performance, handling, and durability under real-world conditions.

Solar Electric Vehicle Championship:

A Complete Breakdown

“Design isn’t just about making things look good — it’s about solving problems with precision and purpose.”
In this blog, I’m sharing the complete journey of designing a complete working model of a Solar Electric Car.

SEVC Competition Overview

The Solar Electric Vehicle Championship (SEVC) is a prestigious national engineering competition that challenges student teams to design, build, and race an electric vehicle with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and real-world engineering practices. Teams are required to adhere to specific design constraints and safety guidelines outlined in the competition rulebook, thus promoting environmentally responsible and commercially viable mobility solutions for India.

Project Walkthrough:

Initial Planning & Team Coordination

As the design head, the responsibility included leading the overall vehicle conceptualization, component selections, and ensuring design compliance with the SEVC rule book standards. The initial phase involved:

Studying the SEVC rulebook to understand constraints on chassis geometry, safety features, aerodynamics, and powertrain configurations.
Organizing team roles and responsibilities, fostering collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines.

Design & Simulation Phase

The design process was initiated using CAD tools (SolidWorks), resulting in detailed 3D models and sketches. Key highlights:

Developed the primary chassis structure with careful consideration of ergonomics, safety (roll hoop, impact zones), and manufacturability.
Iterated multiple design corrections based on early simulation and feasibility checks, addressing manufacturing difficulties such as weld accessibility and tube bending.
Ensured all technical drawings and measures were aligned with rulebook guidelines.

Manufacture & Prototyping

Manufacturing began once the design was frozen, with ongoing checks to ensure real-world tolerances and processes matched CAD intentions:

Faced challenges such as tube misalignment, welding inaccuracies, and assembly setbacks.
Solutions included redesigning joint locations, reinforcing critical structural members, and optimizing ease of assembly without compromising safety.
Repeatedly updated design files and documentation, reflecting new insights gained from shop-floor realities.

Testing and Final Assembly

Upon completion of the frame, static and dynamic checks were conducted:

Performed fitment checks for all components (battery tray, suspension mounts, driver’s seat).
Ensured compliance with aerodynamic, reliability, and safety checks as per SEVC requirements.
All necessary corrections were logged, showing adaptability and engineering judgment during pressure situations.

Event Participation & Presentation

During the SEVC competition week:

Presented the final design and build process to judges, demonstrating the rationale behind each significant engineering decision.
Led technical sessions for the team, advocating project strengths and managing queries regarding compliance, innovation, and feasibility.
Engaged with other teams, participated in event rally, and networked with industry mentors, gaining valued feedback for future endeavors.

Key Design Stage Images

Early 3D sketches and dimensioned chassis concepts:
Fully assembled frame with roll hoop and structural reinforcements:
Multi-view layouts and final assembly photographs:

Compliance & Innovation

All designs and manufacturing steps strictly followed SEVC’s official rule book, enhancing safety, manufacturability, and market viability. The process highlighted:

Use of iterative design, simulation, and physical verification to reach an optimum solution.
Real-time problem-solving during unforeseen manufacturing difficulties.
Skill development in team leadership, technical documentation, and professional presentations.

Conclusion

This project showcases leading a multidisciplinary engineering team through the complete lifecycle of a solar-electric student vehicle—from concept, through design and build, to national-level competition. It demonstrates technical proficiency, leadership in design management, and the ability to adapt and optimize under real-world constraints, which are core skills for any engineering portfolio.

Feel free to use, adapt, and supplement this walkthrough on a portfolio website, with the images attached providing visual evidence of design evolution and execution.

Let’s Connect

If you’re interested, or just passionate about motorsport design, I’d love to connect!

👉 www.linkedin.com/in/ananthu-rapoyil
👉 r.ananthu074@gmail.com