The SunStang Solar Car Project recently announced its intentions to create a production version of its well-known solar-powered racer. This student-run project at the University of Western Ontario has participated in solar car contests around the world since 1993. The project has participated in myriad contests since 1996 including the 2003 American Solar Challenge and the 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge. SunStang has a good pedigree in these competitions including a first-place finish at the 1996 Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge.
The faculty and students at the University of Western Ontario are changing the SunStang design in recognition of economic realities. The SunStang solar cars used in world competitions features a flat surface lined with solar panels to generate power. These panels are affordable on a prototype but would not be economically feasible in large-scale production. SunStang officials have designed a production model that would feature a battery system that would be recharged using a set of solar panels at the user’s home or office. This significant change was necessary to make the SunStang production model affordable for the average consumer.
SunStang’s production car would feature a composite metal body, three wheels and a single seat. The design allows for a small amount of cargo space along with room for a spare tire. The 10.5kW electric motor and the aforementioned battery system would be recharged quickly using solar recharging stations. The maximum speed of the SunStang car is 83 miles per hour with a 124 mile range at speeds up to 75 miles per hour. SunStang also notes that drivers cruising at city speeds could travel up to 186 miles on a single charge.
The next phase of SunStang’s vehicle development project seems to be in the hands of corporate sponsors. The project relies on sponsorships from companies like Yokohama Tires Inc. in order to create prototypes and research solar technologies. This Canadian tire company recently supplied $10,000 to SunStang to facilitate development of a production model. Yokohama and SunStang have announced a desire to take the first SunStang model on a trip across Canada this fall.
SunStang’s vision seems to be close to fruition with production started on the composite frame and testing underway for the battery system. The latest development in solar technology by SunStang seems practical compared to its previous endeavors. While solar cars work in contests, SunStang is recognizing the limits of solar panels as a primary source for vehicle power in transit. The adoption of solar charging at home would also create a culture of green energy that could reduce stress on the electrical grid.
