ANU students have launched their first high-technology solar car to compete in the 3022-kilometre World Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide from Otober 8 to 15.
The MTAA Super Charge, named for its major sponsor Canberra-based superannuation fund MTAA Super, has solar panels and lithium ion battery technology to power an electric motor.
“It’s been especially difficult because 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,” said Sol Invictus project lead Emily Rose Rees.
“This project is unique because it’s greater than just an engineering project. It involves everything from project management, marketing and managing manufacturing and relationships with sponsors.
“Now we can go and see how we compare to all the other teams. Our aim is not to win but cross the finish line.”
ACT Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Shane Rattenbury has announced a new $20,000 sponsorship from the ACT government.
The 2017 World Solar Challenge is a biennial race for solar-powered cars and attracts competitors ranging from universities such as Stanford, MIT and Cambridge through to technical institutes and private enterprises. Companies such as Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford and Panasonic use the race as a testbed for their new technologies and components.
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