11 March 2026
Fifth newsletter: Aerodynamics and Electronics drive ER26 performance
Explore how the Aerodynamics and Electronics teams improve downforce, efficiency, integration, and safety from concept design to testing.
LiU Formula Student
Fifth Newsletter for the ER26 project
Welcome back! In this month’s edition of the newsletter we take a closer look at two of the core technical teams that make our car fast, efficient, and reliable: Aerodynamics and Electronics.
Aerodynamics
The Aerodynamics team consists of around 20 members and is divided into two sub-groups: Design and Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations (CFD). The Design Team develops aerodynamic concepts in CAD using CDF to guide an iterative design process. They are also responsible for designing the mechanical components of the aero package and manufacturing parts in materials such as pre-preg carbon fibre.
The CFD sub-group focuses on maintaining and developing the team’s CFD methodology and works closely with the design team to support data-driven design decisions. In addition, the team includes a structural engineer who develops composite Finite Element Modeling (FEM) models to optimize laminate layups and ensure structural integrity.
As a team, Aerodynamics is responsible for designing, producing, and validating the complete aerodynamic package of the car. Their work has a direct impact on overall vehicle performance, and close collaboration with the Vehicle Dynamics and Chassis teams is essential to ensure that aerodynamic performance integrates seamlessly with the rest of the car. This year, the team has achieved major improvements in the front wing and the side aerodynamic components. By increasing stability across a wider range of operating conditions, they have made the car more predictable and consistent. One of the most intense periods for the team occurs in November and December, when designs must be finalized under tight internal and sponsor-related deadlines.
Electronics
The Electronics Team consists of approximately 15 members who work on different parts of the car’s electrical systems. Some focus on hardware development, such as designing custom circuit boards and building the wire harness, while others specialize in software for various vehicle systems. Together, they are responsible for all electrical systems on the car, including the high-voltage tractive system as well as low-voltage systems such as telemetry and safety systems.
The team collaborates mainly with the Packaging team, but also works closely with Aerodynamics and Vehicle Dynamics to ensure seamless system integration. One of the most critical components of the electrical system is the main high-voltage battery. Without it, the car would not be able to operate. It is essential to not only extract the required performance from the battery, but also to comply with strict safety regulations. For the Electronics Team, the most stressful period usually occurs during the spring testing phase. As systems are powered up and validated, unexpected issues inevitably arise, and solving them efficiently is crucial to keeping the ER26 project on schedule.
Together, Aerodynamics and Electronics make the car come to life, become efficient through the air and safe to drive. By collaborating with most of the teams in the organisation they ensure that performance, reliability, and safety are integrated into every stage of the development process. From early design concepts to final testing, their combined knowledge transforms simulations, calculations, and wiring diagrams into a functioning race car ready to compete.
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