Racing with solar powered cars across Australia
So, the proverbial horse that we had in the race of solar powered vehicles crashed and couldn’t compete. But it won a bigger victory—it took the technology to the next level.
As you may know, we are the proud sponsor of the Resolution, a revolutionary solar powered car built by a team of 60 Cambridge students, called Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER).
The Resolution uses advanced space grade solar panels, and technology that concentrates the solar power 256 times. This construction, sponsored by SKF, meant that the team could use smaller panels. Which is a good thing if you are building a tiny, drop-shaped car with low air resistance.
Good ideas never lose
We think the Resolution had a really good shot at winning the World Solar Challenge (WSC), arguably the toughest solar car race today, as it runs a gruelling 3,000 km across the Australian outback, from Darwin to Adelaide. Unfortunately that didn’t happen due to an accident, but that’s not the most important thing in the world. The team and Resolution are full of win anyway. To reiterate the Cambridge University tweet: smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.
Sustainability ahead
Taking the accident in stride, CUER has made the most of the situation; connecting with other teams, and testing the revolutionary system they built. And that is really the purpose of this race, to take solar powered vehicles to the next level, and thereby bringing mankind one step closer to a sustainable future. We have no doubt that Resolution will be back and stronger in 2015.
You can read more about the race at and the ingenious construction of the Resolution on CUER's website.