Solar-powered car created by students emerges victorious in a 1,864-mile Australian race, triumphing over global competitors
In a remarkable feat of engineering and renewable energy innovation, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) has clinched the Cruiser class of the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge with their student-built solar-powered EV, the Sophie 8X.
The competition, held every two years since 1987, is a grueling test of skill, strategy, and resilience. Contestants must navigate a 3,000-kilometer journey across the Australian outback, from Darwin to Adelaide, under the extreme heat, long distances, and unpredictable terrain.
The Sophie 8X, a lightweight and aerodynamic vehicle, stood out from the competition. Its carbon fiber body, shaped with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, minimized drag, ensuring maximum efficiency. The team also rebuilt weather and road condition models to optimize energy usage and race strategy.
The vehicle's powertrain is equally impressive. In-wheel permanent magnet synchronous motors, 18 percent lighter than those used in the 2023 version, propel the Sophie 8X. These motors are paired with a third-generation silicon carbide semiconductor controller, boosting energy conversion efficiency. Custom-designed SiC motors further reduce energy consumption by 30 percent at cruising speeds of 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph).
The Sophie 8X's solar power comes from a roof fitted with six square meters of solar cells. Not only do these cells keep the battery charged, but they also power the vehicle directly. The battery pack weighs a mere 40 kilograms (88 pounds), significantly less than that of popular EVs like the Tesla Model Y.
The Sophie 8X completed the route in 44 hours, covering 3,021.5 kilometers at an average speed of 68.7 kilometers per hour. It crossed the finish line first, followed by Estonia's Solaride III Enefit. Despite not winning the overall competition, the Sophie 8X's victory in the Cruiser Class is a significant achievement.
Moreover, the Sophie 8X is legally authorized to drive on public roads in Hong Kong, making it the first student-built solar EV to meet recognized automotive safety standards. This milestone underscores the potential of renewable energy vehicles in everyday life.
Event Ambassador Chris Selwood praised the achievement, stating, "In 2023, the team finished in the non-competitive class, and in 2025, they won the Cruiser Cup." The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge continues to push the boundaries of solar-powered vehicle technology, and the Sophie 8X is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its creators.
Read also:
- Upcoming iPhone Model: What We Understand Thus Far
- Struggling with water expenses poses challenges for socio-economically disadvantaged households
- Advantages of Using the Amex Delta Platinum Card: 26 Key Perks
- Supermarket Chain Lidl Collaborates with WWF to Encourage Eco-Friendly Food Consumption, Minimize Food Waste, and Guide People Towards Sustainable Decisions
