DCU Solar Racing has unveiled Ireland's first solar-powered racing car, designed and built by students from across the university in preparation for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2025.
Supporters, alumni and staff from across Dublin City University’s five faculties joined the interdisciplinary team of students that make up DCU’s Solar Racing team to officially launch the new racing car in the Stokes Building on DCU’s Glasnevin campus. They heard from students involved in the design and building phase of the project, and from the team who will drive the car during the 3,000km race across the Australian outback from Darwin to Adelaide.
Dr Jennifer Bruton, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, said: “The unveiling of the DCU Solar Racing team's prototype (Solas) on Tuesday night was a significant milestone in their preparation for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2025.
"Over the past couple of years, these dedicated students, faculty, and industry partners have poured their hearts and minds into this project, driven by a shared vision of a future where solar power can propel us forward, revolutionising the way we live in an ever-evolving sustainable world.
"Last night, we were thrilled to view the results of the team’s extensive hard work; the prototype showcases their unwavering pursuit of sustainable, solar-powered transportation. All of us in the DCU are so proud of these wonderful innovators and ambassadors. Well done to the team and their supporters.”
About the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is the world’s greatest innovation and engineering challenge playing a key role in exploring green technology, energy efficiency, and mobility possibilities.
Primarily a design competition, this biennial event seeks to inspire some of the brightest young people on the planet to address the imperatives of sustainable transport and the development of energy efficient vehicles as part of the global challenge to decarbonise mobility.
The event features three classes that represent the diversity of energy efficient vehicles and their differing design philosophies.
"As the Business Lead for DCU Solar Racing, I'm incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished with the Alpha prototype over the past few months. This project showcases the power of collaboration and innovation within our university, pushing the boundaries of sustainable transportation. It’s an exciting step forward in our commitment to advancing renewable energy and engineering excellence," said Abul Hasan, business lead, DCU Solar Racing.
About DCU Solar Racing
DCU Solar Racing is a pioneering student-led organisation within Dublin City University, dedicated to engineering Ireland’s first solar racing car.
With a diverse team of approximately 40 students from various disciplines, they are united by a common goal: to push the boundaries of solar-powered vehicle technology and demonstrate the incredible potential of renewable energy in transportation.