The ‘Generation’ Solar Car from the University of Michigan

By Kris WalkerAug 23 2013

The 'Generation' solar car will race at The World Solar Challenge in Australia. Image Credits: University of Michigan

Racing from Darwin to Adelaide, ‘The World Solar Challenge’ is a race with a twist. Forty-seven teams from twenty six countries will race their solar-electric vehicles across 1800 miles and will be measured on 100% energy from the sun or kinetic energy.

The University of Michigan have assembled a talented team and have developed the ‘Generation’ solar car, which will race on October 6th 2013.

"We spent a lot of time refining the design and we're feeling really good about it," said Eric Hausman, team project manager and senior in industrial and operations engineering.

Described as “ultimate electric vehicles”, the U-M team have made significant changes to the car in terms of having four wheels rather than the 2011 three-wheel car. However, the car will not be similar to that of regular cars as having the wheels that far apart would reduce efficiency.

Generation 2013

"Having four wheels will change a lot of things about the way we race this car," said Matt Goldstein, a senior in computer science and engineering who leads team's strategy division. "This is a new concept to us and a different design, so we will have to adjust our strategy appropriately. The new regulations will definitely stir the pot and I am excited to make our best shot at a championship."

The car is around 500-600 pounds including a driver, has silicon solar cells with a lithium ion battery, a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and can reach speeds of up to 105mph.

With a team of 100 members, the U-M solar team have finished 1st place in the American Solar Challenge in six consecutive competitions. From a 17th place finish in 1999, the team never looked back, winning each race from then on. Finishing in 3rd place in 2012 and 2009, could 2013 be their year?

Sources and Further Reading

• University of Michigan
• U-M Solar Team
• The World Solar Challenge
   

The 'Generation' Solar Car from the University of Michigan

Solar panels are constructed of silicon cells. All images are courtesy of University of Michigan (c) All rights reserved by umsolar.

The solar car can reach speeds of up to 105mph. All images are courtesy of University of Michigan (c) All rights reserved by umsolar.

The solar team at U-M are looking to better their third placed finish at the 2011 competition. All images are courtesy of University of Michigan (c) All rights reserved by umsolar.