CUT Solar Car to compete in 2018 Sasol Solar Car Challenge

The newly constructed CUT Solar Car ‘Pere ea Letsatsi’ meaning magic of horsepower from the sun was CAD designed, engineered and built by our Engineers at CUT labs. The carbon-fibre vehicle is fitted with the state-of-the-art technology for tracking power including the cruise control feature.

The race is scheduled to take place from 22-30 September 2018 across South Africa to test the durability and endurance of the cars built. Teams are set to cover the most distance on the set route each day and additional loops can be added should the teams have more power left in their solar cars. The race relies entirely on good engineering, great drivers and team managers that can manage energy as well as work accordingly with the weather conditions. The record to break using solar power is 4,500 km.

At the launch Professor Alfred Ngowi, deputy vice-chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement says “Dr Nicolaas Luwes, our team leader and senior lecturer in Engineering as well as his 21-member team has of course been instrumental in making this project a success. His perseverance and inspiration have motivated his team and all of us here at CUT and, is a reason to celebrate our technological advances in this special way”. He added that the solar car was just the beginning, as CUT continues on a journey of technological innovations.

2018 Sasol Solar Car Challenge

The eight-stage route will commence in Pretoria on 22 September 2018, and head to Sasolburg where there will be optional loops that can be used to get as many kilometres as possible before ending the day’s race in Kroonstad before 5pm. The team that gets the most distance per day wins.