With a mission poised to reshape the landscape of zero-emission vehicles, Ghost Electric is making waves on the University campus. Their bold vision is not just about innovation but also about setting a new standard in electric vehicle engineering.
As collegiate electric motorcycle racing is still in its infancy, Ghost Electric is focusing on creating environmentally friendly vehicle engineering solutions. The organization is determined to develop a 300-volt, 170-horsepower electric motorcycle within two years, driven by a small but passionate team.
Paul Klapperich, a senior in Engineering and the president and co-founder of Ghost, leads the initiative. The club, established in January 2024, emerged from Klapperich’s passion for motorcycles and his desire to promote EV technology as a viable alternative to internal combustion engines.
“It’s kind of funny, there’s no super deep meaning to the name of the club, we just thought it sounded cool,” Klapperich remarked. “What we tell people is that electric vehicles are quiet like ghosts.”
The group operates within four key divisions: mechanical, electrical, business, and software. Each division consists of smaller teams focusing on specific aspects of the motorcycle’s development.
Adam Johnson, a senior in Engineering, leads the drivetrain subdivision within the mechanical team. “My responsibilities are mainly just pushing the development of the drivetrain, making sure that it’s designed and able to be made,” Johnson explained. “It’s the first electric drivetrain for a motorcycle being built here at UIUC. A big problem we are currently tackling is designing a secondary shaft.”
The team’s efforts are directed toward competing in AHRMA’s Formula Lightning Varsity Challenge, where collegiate teams race their custom electric motorcycles for scholarship prizes and recognition.
Students of all levels contribute to the project, gaining hands-on experience and learning from peers. Roman Zainetdinov, a freshman in Engineering, joined the drivetrain team after being intrigued by the electric race bike frame during Quad Day. “I saw an opportunity to bring something to the table as it was all in its prototype stage,” Zainetdinov said.
External support plays a critical role in Ghost’s journey, with sponsors and industry experts offering guidance. Companies like Red Bull, Altair, and the Illinois Green Fund have provided backing. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, in particular, has offered design reviews, aiding in the understanding of the secondary shaft’s necessity.
The collaboration within and outside of Ghost Electric is key to advancing their electric motorcycle development. Hughson Wong, a senior in Engineering, emphasized the team’s welcoming environment, stating, “The Ghost community is super warm and inviting. If you’re willing to put in the work, you could get a lot out of the experience.”
Ghost Electric aims to complete their electric motorcycle by the upcoming summer, showcasing their commitment and innovation in the field of electric vehicles.
Original Story at dailyillini.com