DCU students to unveil Ireland’s first solar-powered race car

Dublin City University (DCU) students are preparing to unveil Ireland's first solar-powered racing car on September 9th. The custom-built vehicle, developed by a team of over 40 multidisciplinary students, relies solely on solar energy and clean battery storage. The car underwent track validation and high-speed testing at Kildare's Mondello Park motor racing circuit before receiving the green light on August 27th.

The sleek single-seater vehicle features a six-meter 'bullet' model for maximum power conversion and minimal drag, constructed from lightweight composite materials and equipped with a bespoke telemetry system. The four-year project required extensive research, prototyping, and aerodynamic testing. Representing Ireland at the iLumen European Solar Challenge in Belgium, the Solar Racing team is sponsored by over 30 organizations, including DCU Innovate, Intel, Bridgestone, Fidelity Investments, and Irish space-tech EireComposites.

Team principal Rian Gill and executive dean Jennifer Bruton praised the project's achievement, highlighting its potential to advance sustainable transport solutions.