University of Messina students build electric racer from recycled coffee sacks

The Zancle E-Drive team from the University of Messina participated in the Formula Student Italy 2026 competition held at the Riccardo Paletti Circuit in Varano de’ Melegari. The team developed an electric single-seater racing car featuring a chassis made from a sustainable composite material. This material utilizes recycled jute fibers sourced from discarded coffee sacks recovered from roasting plants.

Beyond technical racing performance, the project emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration involving over thirty students from engineering, computer science, and economics departments. The team presented their work during static events, including the Design Event, Cost Event, and e-Business Plan Presentation, demonstrating their ability to integrate engineering, cost management, and business planning. The project is coordinated by Professor Francesco Longo and incorporates research into autonomous driving technologies and environmental impact reduction.