Budding engineers push boundaries with real-time diagnostics, modular battery systems, and adaptive traction control at SAEINDIA’s premier EV challenge.
Hyderabad: The eBAJA show was an occasion where budding engineers didn’t just build electric all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) but they redefined them. From real-time AI diagnostics to regenerative braking and modular battery swaps, the competition showcased innovations that could shape the future of electric off-road vehicles.
One of the biggest game-changers was the Rainstorm Test, a first-of-its-kind industry-grade challenge where ATVs were exposed to artificial rain to test waterproofing and voltage insulation.
Team Trident Racing from Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, developed a sealed battery enclosure using advanced insulation materials that kept water out while ensuring optimal heat dissipation.
“Water resistance in EVs isn’t just about preventing short circuits but about maintaining peak performance in extreme conditions,” said Arjun Singh, a core designer of the system.
Another upgrade came in traction control. Team Aryans Racing from VIIT College, Pune, introduced an adaptive traction control system that automatically adjusted power delivery to each wheel based on the terrain, reducing skidding and improving maneuverability.
“Traditional ATVs struggle with uneven terrain. Our system reads real-time surface data and dynamically tweaks torque, making the vehicle more stable,” explained Aryan K, from VIIT, Pune.
Battery management saw a major leap forward this year. Team Predators Racing from DY Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi, unveiled a modular battery swapping system that allowed teams to replace drained battery packs in under three minutes, eliminating long charging downtimes.
“Our system is built for endurance—quick swap, lock, and go. It’s a huge step toward making electric ATVs as race-ready as their fuel-powered counterparts,” said Mavith Saldanha, a team member.
Efficiency and sustainability were also key themes, with many teams integrating regenerative braking systems that converted braking energy into stored battery power, extending the ATVs’ range. Others focused on AI-powered diagnostics, where real-time data logging systems monitored battery health, voltage fluctuations, and component stress, predicting potential failures before they occurred.
Lightweight construction was another area of innovation. Some teams experimented with carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP) and high-strength aluminium alloys, significantly reducing vehicle weight while maintaining durability, resulting in better acceleration and power efficiency.
With 85 teams competing from top engineering institutes, eBAJA SAEINDIA 2025 provided a peep into the future of electric mobility.
The innovations showcased at this event could soon influence the way electric off-road vehicles are designed for commercial and competitive use.
