Canterbury University students are taking on a world speed record in a custom-built electric car.

Motorsport club members have built a 7.5-metre-long car hoping to break a record of 329 kilometres an hour held by an American university.

They plan to compete in Dry Lakes Racers Australia's Speed Week in March.

Team Principal Kaenan Ferguson says they're confident they have a chance and they plan to start out slow before building up speed.

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