Solaride takes design honours Cruising to a time advantage

The 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Cruiser Class design judging was held in Darwin today, ahead of the start line. Solaride from Estonia took the design honours and is set to claim a major time advantage of 28 minutes.

 

These solar electric cars of tomorrow, boasting practical innovation and design features you can expect to see in our driving future, were on show today in Darwin’s Convention Centre. The Cruiser Class was introduced to bridge the gap between high end technology and everyday driving practicality.

 

Event Ambassador, Chris Selwood AM said in today’s judging the eminent panel of experts including industry leaders, BWSC alumni and faculty, climate change and renewables experts and media representatives, were asked to consider design innovation, environmental impact, ease of access and egress, occupant space and comfort, ease of operation (driving and charging), versatility, style and desirability, and suitability for the declared purpose. Judges were also asked to consider which cars they would be more likely to buy.

 

From a very competitive field, the panel voted for Solaride based on its features and innovation. Sunswift from Australia took second place followed by Onda Solare from Italy in third.

 

Despite all competing to the same set of regulations, designs varied significantly. Italian team Onda Solare in Emilia 5.9, resplendent in racing red featured a voice responsive integrated AI system and customed interior focusing on driver comfort. Estonia’s Solaride III Enefit, designed for endurance and practicality in the Australian outback, focused on safety, solar efficiency, and passenger comfort.

 

Australia’s 2023 Cruiser Cup winners, Sunswift Racing Team in Sunswift 7 with its aerodynamic catamaran design and highly efficient Sundrive solar cells , fellow Aussies from Deakin University introduced their sustainable solar car DUST, focusing on a lower carbon footprint, solar efficiency, and energy storage. USA team Minnesota in Gaia, emphasised reliability with custom-built motors and real-world features like Apple CarPlay. From the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, Sophie 8X presented as a spacious, aerodynamic design with an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre chassis with generous interior space. Taiwan’s entry Apollo IX plus, from National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, features a low drag design and 3rd generation integrated solar cell system. The Italian Archimede team spoke to judges about their car, but are focusing on final scrutineering phases hoping to take to the track tomorrow.

 

‘In what I expect will become a race of strategy and energy management, a significant time advantage could prove to be game changing,’ Chris said.