ANU students have developed their high-technology solar car to compete in World Solar Challenge. Students developed it as a part of their project. They are now ready to put it on race from Darwin to Adelaide.
This high-technology solar car dubbed ‘Super Charge‘ is composed of the cutting-edge solar panels and Lithium-ion battery technology to power a highly efficient electric motor.
The race from Darwin to Adelaide will be of 3,022 km and starting on 8 October.
The project team involved 30 students from a number of disciplines across the university, including law, science, engineering, and economics.
Ms. Rees said, “It’s the first time we’re doing this and we don’t have a previous car to build on or previous team members for advice. But it’s exciting because we can forge our own path.”
“I want to thank everyone in the project who has put in so many hours to ensure we’re ready to take the start line.”
To develop this ‘Super Charge’, students primarily practiced tirelessly on its design for more than 2 years. Later on, they came with a final prototype, that involves everything from project management, marketing and managing manufacturing and relationships with sponsors.
Through this car, students will be competing against local and international teams who have been involved in solar energy for decades.
Mark McAnulty said, “This is a pretty insane project- making a car from scratch that runs on solar energy alone. Part of it is showing what’s possible when you put a bunch of determined students in a group and the other part is to show what is really possible from renewable energy sources in today’s world.”
Sol Invictus project lead Emily Rose Rees said, “I’ve always been interested in sustainable practices, this was the perfect project because it combined my interest in sustainable and renewable energy with some practical, hands-on experience.”
“There are a lot of small actions individuals can make to be more sustainable, but also getting involved in innovative projects like this which support development in that field to really push the boundaries of what’s possible.”