Can an Australian team take on the multi-million-dollar international top guns in this year’s Bridgestone World Solar Challenge on a fraction of the budget? Adelaide University Solar Racing Team, who launched their new and improved, aerodynamic machine, LUMEN II last night, is certainly gearing up to give it a red-hot crack. The talk around the workshop is that this car has the potential to
go the distance and exceed past performances.

Speaking at the reveal, BWSC Event Director, Chris Selwood AM, said Adelaide University Solar Racing
team has already achieved much in their short history of solar car competition.

‘They first took to the start line in 2015 and in four short years, were the highest placed Australian team in 2019. Success in this event comes in many forms and crossing the line on the power of sunshine alone after 3,000 kilometres is a win. I congratulate both the team and the University of Adelaide on their 2023 entry, which is a clever amalgam of evolved design, event experience and learnings. Their BWSC journey reflects a passion for a more sustainable future and commitment to providing real-world practical experience in engineering, project management and the power of collaboration,’ Mr Selwood said.

“As they prepare to take on the world’s best, I wish them every success on the road to Darwin and beyond,” he said.

Team Leader, Christian Sanderson said the LUMEN II is the culmination of years of work since the first event in 2015, building on the team’s findings and results competing across Australia’s outback.

‘We’ve redesigned, reimagined, and reimplemented systems to deliver a next generation solar car with a new lightweight adjustable suspension system and a new aerodynamics package for more efficient and sustainable performance. Performance will be further strengthened with brand-new solar cells and a batery package to maximise the car's energy output,’ Christian said.

The integration of academics into the student team has also helped to guide research and development, high-level simulation, iterative design processes, and implementation.

‘We’ll be bringing what we’ve learned from our past events as we look to the future. Our aim is for Top 10, to give the internationals a run for their money, and to be the first Aussie team home. We can’t wait for the start line,” Christian concluded.

Photo credit: Lachlan Etherton 

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