The ESUS team was founded 15 years ago by former student Gonzalo Pacheco, who had the foresight to create a solar car when discussions about new energy matrices were just beginning. From that initial model, four more were developed until 2018. Then, new generations embraced the challenge, adapting to the evolving needs of the industry by designing electric cars, which opened the door to participating in "Formula SAE." In this new context, the ESUS team took on the demanding task of designing a racecar, complete with all the intricate mechanical and electrical components involved.
"We launched this project in 2022, and thanks to the support from the Mechanical, Industrial, and Electrical Engineering departments, the Faculty of Engineering and its Innovation Center, the Faculty of Technology, and the Faculty of Administration and Economics, we've fostered a multidisciplinary environment," explains Juan Vega, a mechanical engineering graduate now leading this historic Usach project. He adds, "This environment has allowed us to develop a machine whose upgrade will enable the next generation of electric vehicles. Alongside that, we also aim to develop a hydrogen-powered machine." This project, he notes, is being passed down from generation to generation, evolving with technological advancements.
"We're currently working on upgrading Electra 1, specifically its battery bank," says the CEO. "At the same time, we're developing the design for the second-generation vehicle, and a third team of students is dedicated to the future hydrogen vehicle."
To advance, the team must validate their designs and technologies. That's where Formula SAE comes in as ESUS's next big challenge. At the end of July, the electric car competition ecosystem will gather in Brazil, and the Usachino team must be there. "We want to go and defend our designs, observe developments in other countries, see what they are emphasizing, and bring all that information back and apply it to the new technology project," explains CEO Juan Vega.
The project has consistently benefited from the support of the academic community, who act as mentors to this group of young innovators. Francisco Valenzuela from Mechanical Engineering, Leonardo Gacitúa from Electrical Engineering, Manuel Vargas from Industrial Engineering, Magdalena Monroy, and many others contribute their expertise across various multidisciplinary areas.
The Faculty of Engineering's Innovation Center has also provided significant support to ESUS. "It has been a mentor in communication strategies and meetings with sponsors," Juan explains. "And the prototyping area has always been available to help us keep improving our designs; in fact, the current handlebar was designed by the Faculty's Innovation Center. That support has been invaluable."
A Legacy of Constant Technical Innovation
Over the past 15 years, the ecosystem around ESUS has been carefully structured to keep the project in sync with the university's mission and the latest technological advancements. For Juan, leading the project during this pivotal stage of electromobility development truly adds value to ESUS as a flagship initiative for Usach. “There’s a rich history to share, and numerous vehicles stand as testaments to the knowledge we've built," says project director Juan Vega. "Today, Usach is strongly championing electromobility, and ESUS aims to contribute to this culture of sustainable mobility by focusing on democratizing technology and constantly improving it. Our solar, electric, and soon-to-be hydrogen cars are what keep the ESUS ecosystem robust, an ecosystem powered by students, academics, FING graduates, and other faculties.”
The latest innovations in the car include:
- A new control system for a hybrid hydrogen and battery power architecture based on artificial intelligence. This brings together various areas of knowledge related to sustainable mobility.
- Innovation in battery development. "The knowledge consolidated within this team allowed one member to join a project awarded to Dr. Matías Díaz, specifically on the subject of batteries. This means tackling the big problems of the real world with the knowledge gained at ESUS, which makes us proud."
- Innovation in battery cooling systems. "This is a little-explored area. We've carried out simulations and made a valuable impact in this regard."
- Innovation in aerodynamic development, unique in Chile. "We continue to contribute to the university's technological leadership with everything we do at ESUS.”
Brazil: The Crucial Step for Continued Innovation
Formula SAE will serve two key missions for the ESUS team. First, it is crucial for validating the electric vehicle's design, a necessary step before construction can begin. "We want to explain our designs and get extensive feedback from international experts," Vega explained, "and also learn a lot from other teams to enhance our car based on their proven experience." The second mission, from the innovation and development perspective, involves observing the hydrogen car competition also taking place in Brazil. "Several theses within our team are focused on this subject," Vega noted, "and it would be incredibly valuable to present these developments there."
Finally, Juan emphasizes that participating in F-SAE Brazil could equip the university with state-of-the-art technology. "If we perform well with our designs, and impress the organization and world-renowned sponsors, they will donate hydrogen technology to the university," he explained. "This would significantly reduce our technological development times. It's a unique opportunity to test statics and dynamics, costs, presentations, engineering design, and performance, which would give us the momentum to advance to the next generation of new knowledge."
Continuous innovation, teamwork, commitment to society, perseverance, adaptability, and consistency are the core values that have guided the ESUS project for 15 years within Usach. Today, these values are expanding, reaching other university units and setting sights on international prospects, with the next stop being Brazil.
Students eager to join ESUS and extend their learning beyond the classroom are welcome to be part of this multidisciplinary group. "We're driven by passion and the democratization of knowledge and technology," Juan Vega summarizes. "That's why this project has thrived for 15 years, and we're seeking support to remain emblematic within the university, while also positioning its technological leadership externally."