Students from the University of Thessaly in Greece are preparing for this year’s Formula Student season with a new electric race car, the Pholus R, developed by the Centaurus Racing student research team.
The car will represent the university in three upcoming competitions across Europe: Formula Student Croatia from July 18 to 23, Formula Student Czech Republic from July 19 to 24, and Formula Student Greece from August 2 to 7.
The new single-seater is lighter and more advanced than its predecessor, designed to meet the demands of modern student motorsport with a strong focus on efficiency, structural performance, and on-track capability.
Greece’s students used advanced materials to cut race car weight
Weight reduction sits at the heart of the Pholus R project. The team engineered the chassis to weigh just 20 kilograms (44lbs) by using advanced composite materials such as carbon fibre and Rohacell aerospace-grade foam. Together, these materials reduce mass while also improving stiffness, durability, and overall safety.
The same lightweight philosophy extends to the electric system. The team built the battery box as a single-piece Kevlar structure, reducing weight without compromising strength or resilience.
The car also features smaller-diameter tires, which further lower mass and sharpen performance. According to the team, this setup allows the car to generate lateral acceleration of up to 2.8 G and longitudinal acceleration of up to 2.3 G, while also delivering strong grip and endurance in demanding dynamic events.
Pholus R targets competitive Formula Student performance
The Pholus R’s technical specifications reflect its competitive ambitions. The electric race car delivers:
- Power: 80 kW, approximately 107 hp
- Maximum torque: 230 Nm
- Weight without driver: 185 kg
- 0-100 km/h acceleration: 3.5 seconds
- Top speed: 130 km/h
With its low weight and strong power delivery, the car is built for the demanding Formula Student environment, where design efficiency, acceleration, and reliability can make the difference.
Greece’s University of Thessaly students push race car innovation forward
Commenting on the new car, Dr. Alexis Kermanidis, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Thessaly and the team’s scientific supervisor, said the group continues to improve its single-seater each year by combining advanced engineering materials with specialized simulation tools for structural and aerodynamic design.
He described the Pholus R as the result of creativity, disciplined work, and close collaboration among young engineers who study, test, refine, and turn knowledge into practical technological solutions. He added that the team’s progress is a strong reminder that educational quality is reflected in the real-world achievements of students.
Centaurus Racing has built a strong record since 2009
Centaurus Racing was founded in 2009 in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Thessaly. Since then, the team has focused on the study, design, and construction of formula-style racing cars for international Formula Student competitions, widely regarded as the world’s leading student engineering contests.
Over the years, the team has earned notable distinctions while giving hundreds of students from Mechanical Engineering and other departments at the University of Thessaly the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in research, development, and motorsport engineering.
Beyond competition, the initiative aims to expand students’ technical knowledge, deepen their engagement with research, encourage teamwork and fair competition, and connect them with scientists and industry professionals. With the Pholus R, the University of Thessaly’s student team now heads into another important European campaign carrying the expectations of one of Greece’s most established Formula Student programs.