Abu Dhabi: Over 20 of the top university solar car teams will compete head-to-head to travel approximately 1,200km in Abu Dhabi from January 16-19 next year, the Masdar Institute announced on Wednesday.
The solar challenge, which is the first of its kind to be held in the Middle East, aims to encourage engineering students to convert their knowledge into real-world solutions that promote energy efficiency.
Solar car teams from countries all over the world such as USA, Japan, Italy, Australia, KSA, Turkey and others will take part in a parade through the capital ending at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) during the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit.
“The partnership between teams and universities is important because it provides an opportunity for students to get involved and take a lead in delivering a complex project. Working with team members, over time they are able to make the idea of a social car a reality, gaining incredible experience along the way,” said Giuseppe Coia, team manager of Italy’s Onda Solare from the University of Bologna that will take part in the challenge.
Teams must design and build a solar-powered vehicle that meets every requirement set forth in the regulations. They are required to submit vehicle design and other documentation to competition officials prior to the event for approval.
Yas team from the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi will participate in the solar challenge next year.
“When teams arrive on site for the event, their first task is to pass several inspections, where race officials closely inspect every aspect of their vehicles to ensure full compliance with the regulations. Cars that pass move on the qualifying sessions, where they must complete a pre-determined number of laps with multiple drivers to qualify for the challenge,” Yousuf Al Madhani, a student at the Petroleum Institute and suspension specialist of the team, told Gulf News.
“I am looking forward to meeting the other teams from all over the world and having the opportunity to exchange knowledge and to challenge them fairly,” he added.
As part of Abu Dhabi sustainability week, the solar challenge is sponsored by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and hosted by Masdar.
Other teams are expected to confirm their participation in the coming weeks.
