Connectors help EV break World Land Speed Record

HUBER+SUHNER’s RACS provides a secure and efficient, weight and space-saving connection between high-voltage distribution systems and high-voltage units - in this case the battery and the motor. The RACS provides a shielded high-voltage, low electrical resistance connection and is protected to IP 69 K. Its design means the system can be manufactured using fewer individual parts, reducing both sealing work requirements and fault probability. RACS is a customer-specific assembly that comes in a single, two or three-pin design and is supplied with HUBER+SUHNER high performance RADOX cables. Customers can specify the type of connections and cable length/cross-section themselves.

Regarding the use of the RACS, HUBER+SUHNER’s Steve Foster commented: “In order to qualify for an attempt on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile's (FIA) world electric land speed record, Drayson Racing had to make its vehicle weigh less than 999kg (2202lb) without the driver, so every opportunity was taken to save weight. Initial tests using RACS with 35mm² RADOX cable were successful and well within pre-defined temperature limits. We were then asked by Drayson’s Chief Engineer Graham Moore to reduce the cable size down to 25mm² and, despite the high current levels, the cable continued to perform exceptionally well. As a result, the latest RACS assembly used cable with a cross-section of just 16mm² saving a significant amount of critical weight."