DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A COMPACT ELECTRIC F1 VEHICLE INTEGRATING A CUSTOM CHASSIS, STEERING SYSTEM, AND DUAL-WHEEL ELECTRIC PROPULSION

The transition toward electric mobility has extended into motorsport, creating opportunities for innovation in electric racing vehicle development. This study presents the design and fabrication of a compact electric Formula-style vehicle integrating a custom chassis, steering system, and dual-wheel electric propulsion, developed under Nigerian material and manufacturing constraints. A tubular space-frame chassis was designed using mild steel to balance structural integrity, torsional rigidity, safety, and cost. Computer-aided design and finite element analysis were applied to evaluate load cases, weight distribution, and structural performance prior to fabrication. A rack-and-pinion steering system was incorporated to ensure precise vehicle control and maneuverability. Propulsion was achieved using dual electric hub motors, eliminating conventional transmission components and simplifying power delivery. A 48 V battery pack and motor controller were integrated to supply and regulate electrical power. Fabrication was carried out using locally available materials, tools, and welding techniques, followed by subsystem integration and basic operational testing. The fabricated prototype demonstrated satisfactory structural stability, acceptable steering response, and effective low-speed electric propulsion. The outcomes confirm the feasibility of developing a functional electric Formula-style vehicle within a resource-limited academic environment. This project contributes to indigenous electric vehicle research in Nigeria and provides a practical platform for future.