On October 27, 2023, a fascinating scene unfolded on the wide and flat roads as a series of racing cars zoomed past, seemingly unrelated to the roar of engines. This was the captivating spectacle of the Australian World Solar Challenge. This challenge brings together university teams from around the world who, powered by solar energy, ride in their sleek solar cars, embarking on a fresh journey filled with youthful smiles.
The race commences in the northern city of Darwin, Australia, covering a total distance of 3000 kilometers (1864 miles) and culminating in Adelaide in the south. The race spans 5 days, with approximately 10 hours of driving each day. This year marks the 36th anniversary of the World Solar Challenge. With the rapid development of new energy vehicle technology, the race has become even more significant, particularly in areas such as battery life, motor power, and charging efficiency.
The Sun Shuttle team from Beijing Institute of Technology in China, along with their solar car “Sun Shuttle 4,” has joined this competition. Sun Shuttle 4 was developed by a team led by Professor Zhang Youtong from Beijing Institute of Technology. They have drawn on years of international competition experience to comprehensively upgrade and optimize their vehicle.
This racing car features efficient aerodynamic design, lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, and is equipped with the world’s first mass-produced solid-state lithium battery, which boasts high energy density. Furthermore, an optimized vehicle energy control system has significantly improved energy storage capacity and safety performance. To reduce environmental impact, they have chosen eco-friendly high-performance tires, embracing a green development philosophy.
Beijing Neotic Energy Technology Co., Ltd. provided critical technical support, including solar panels, and sponsored the team throughout the journey. The Sun Shuttle team proudly announced that the car’s technology is almost entirely self-developed, with a domestic production rate exceeding 95%. Core technologies like lithium batteries are internationally leading.
The Beijing Institute of Technology team consists of 13 members, including 10 students and faculty members, along with 3 observers and support personnel. They started their journey in Darwin, the northernmost part of Australia, traveling along the Stuart Highway through the central desert region and then along Highway 1, eventually reaching Augusta Harbor in Adelaide, South Australia. The total journey covers 3021 kilometers and includes nine checkpoints to ensure compliance and safety of participating vehicles and personnel.
The Australian World Solar Challenge has been held every two years since 1987, attracting university students and faculty to design, manufacture, and drive solar cars. In the previous edition of the competition, the Beijing Institute of Technology team achieved a remarkable sixth-place finish. After two years of technological upgrades and personnel training, they are filled with hope, aiming to deliver outstanding performance in this year’s race, which started on October 22.
