Ireland’s first solar racing car set for 24-hour endurance challenge in Belgium
The DCU Solar Racing team at Mondello Park, who have built Ireland's first solar-power racing car. Picture: Daire Hall
Ireland’s first-ever solar-powered racing car, designed by a team of students, is to compete in the world’s only 24-hour endurance race for solar vehicles next month.
Designed and hand-built over four years of research, prototyping and aerodynamic testing, the custom-engineered vehicle relies entirely on solar energy and clean battery storage to run.
More than 40 multidisciplinary students at Dublin City University (DCU), spanning mechanical and electrical engineering, software engineering and business operations, contributed to the project.
On Thursday, the vehicle underwent track validation and high-speed testing at Mondello Park in Co Kildare.
CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB
The solar-powered racing car is equipped with custom solar array architecture, lightweight composite materials and telemetry systems. The 6m “bullet” model was designed for maximum power conversion and minimal drag.
“It’s been incredible to see the work done over the past four years and to see all the effort pay off," said Rian Gill, team principal and lead engineer at DCU Solar Racing.
"Countless hours over the past four years have resulted in this pinnacle of Irish engineering, thanks to the support of our partners, university and the students behind the project.”
Following its test drive on Thursday, the DCU Solar Racing team will officially unveil the car to the public on Wednesday, September 9, at the Helix, DCU.
The student team will also represent Ireland on the international stage at the iLumen European Solar Challenge (iESC) at Circuit Zolder in Belgium later in September.
The 24-hour endurance challenge tests vehicles on speed, energy management and battery efficiency, and will see the team compete against international university engineering teams.
Jennifer Bruton, executive dean of the DCU Faculty of Engineering and Computing, said the project showcased "practical, future-focused, boundary-pushing talent emerging".
"Beyond competing in international motorsport, these students are proving that sustainable transport solutions are achievable today through dedication, teamwork, multidisciplinary hands-on application, and vision."
