Scientific Circle of Electrical Machines and Drives (Koło Naukowe Maszyn i Napędów Elektrycznych „KOMIN”). They begin ambitiously, by converting a simple Polonez Caro into an electric car.

Where did you get the idea for such a venture?

 – We're students that studied one semester "normally"– says Krzysztof Szymański, from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. – Then the pandemic came, and we studied remotely. The circle originated from the need to catch up on practical backlogs.

A car from a technical school

One of the "CHIMNEY" members, Arkadiusz, is a graduate of the Automotive Technical College in Grodzisk Mazowiecki. When he learned about the possibility of purchasing a car that had previously served school students, he and the rest of the team decided to buy a replacement for Fiat 125p.

– We have to bring the car to the WUT and this is where the real fun begins – says our student. – We're trying to use the Toyota Prius drive. If this works, we'll put the batteries right into the car.

Krzysztof also emphasizes the importance of cooperation with people from outside of the circle.

– At the stage of mechanical challenges, we will seek cooperation with people from the Faculty of Automotive and Construction Machinery Engineering – he points out.

Reworking the Polonez is a challenge because the car is heavy and difficult to process, photo Facebook

Will they be the first?

Several challenges await the students of the Scientific Circle of Electrical Machines and Drives, such as taking care of the car's structure.

– It will have to be strengthened so that it can support the engine and batteries – says Krzysztof.

If they succeed, our students will be the first to resurrect the Polonez Caro as an electric car.

– Others have already managed to convert "small Fiats" (Fiats 126p), however, these have a lightweight body and do not require much engine power – adds Piotr Kaczmarek, a student from the newly formed team. – Polonez is heavy and difficult to process, which makes it a challenge.

The student's electric car is not expected to drive over large distances or to perform exceptionally well. The goal is to demonstrate that polonez can be effectively converted, and that students know what they're doing and can implement bold, unconventional ideas. It serves as an introduction to larger projects and challenges that await a young team from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering.

Follow the "CHIMNEY" Scientific Circle of Electrical Machines and Drives on Facebook and Instagram.

Circle supervisors: Stanisław Hajnrych, MSc Eng, Adam Biernat, PhD, Eng.

Students will want to, among other things, strengthen the structure of the car, photo Facebook