An innovative team of students from Western Sydney University has unveiled their latest solar car, 'UNLIMITED 5.0'.
Designed and produced by the students, UNLIMITED 5.0 is set to compete in the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a gruelling competition across 3,000km of rugged outback terrain from Darwin to Adelaide in October.
With support from the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, the team has this year delivered their most cutting-edge vehicle layout to date, an ambitious three-wheeled design developed almost entirely in-house.
Team Manager, Brad Nadalini, said the team was proud to launch their latest solar-powered car at a special event attended by family, friends, sponsors and supporters and was gearing up to take on the Australian outback.
"For our 2023 World Solar Challenge vehicle we are taking an innovative step forward in our goal towards truly sustainable mobility. UNLIMITED 5.0 pushes the limits of efficiency and sustainability and we're excited to share what the team's been working on," said Brad.
The World Solar Challenge is the world's biggest solar challenge and occurs once every two years, with this year marking the fifth time the Western Sydney University team will compete in the Challenger Class. This is the most competitive class requiring teams to produce a high-quality single-seat car built for sustained endurance and energy efficiency.
Team Mechanical Engineer, Nina Walters, who is in her second year of studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University, said the team is excited with its preparations and testing in the lead-up to the Challenge.
"This year we've focused on increasing efficiencies through our car design and we're looking forward to racing with some of the best solar teams from around the globe," said Nina.
Students from Western Sydney University have been designing, producing and racing world-class solar-powered vehicles as part of the Solar Car project since 2013. The team takes great pride in spreading an important message about renewable energy and the future of transportation.
This year's challenge coincides with the University being named number one in the world for its social, economic and environmental impact in the prestigious 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for the second time in a row.
Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, congratulated the team on the launch of their latest car and dedication to addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
"The Solar Car project brings together a diverse group of students who are committed to innovation and knowledge sharing on sustainability and STEM. The launch of the team's latest solar car, UNLIMITED 5.0, is an impressive achievement and we wish the team well in their preparations to compete on the world stage," said Professor Glover.
2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, Event Director, Chris Selwood AM, said Western Sydney University's Solar Car team has a proud history of innovation and pushing the envelope.
"I congratulate both the team and Western Sydney University on their 2023 entry, which a decade on, is an almost unrecognisable evolution from the inaugural car, reflecting the team's passion for the environment and commitment to real-world learning opportunities in STEM," said Mr Selwood.
The Solar Car Team is made up of 25 students from the fields of engineering, communications, business, IT, computer, and science. The students manage every aspect of the production and design of the vehicle, as well as sponsorship, marketing and the administrative elements of their involvement in international competitions.
The team wishes to acknowledge the support from its sponsors for 2023. These include Phoenix Contact, Abergeldie, Australian Racing Drivers Club, Bridgestone and Revolution Software Services.
