University of Calgary unveils prototype of it’s third generation solar car

CALGARY – The University of Calgary’s Solar Team unveiled the prototype of its third generation solar car Monday, titled Schulich Axiom.

The car, which the team calls lighter, faster, and more energy efficient than its predecessors the Soleon and Schulich 1, uses solar cells to absorb rays form the sun and batteries to store the energy. New design features of the updated model include a driver’s seat and more spacious quarters.

The design of the car took the team approximately nine months, using the same software used to design Formula One racecars. Schulich Axion will include 1,987 solar cells and batteries that can store enough power to drive the car for four hours at 90 kilometres per hour. The frame of the car will be made of carbon fibre composite, and will be half the weight of its predecessor, the Schulich 1. It’s more efficient shape will allow the car to reach a top speed of 140 kilometres per hour due to better aerodynamics. The drag will be equivalent to the weight of a small laptop computer.

The final cost of the car should come in at around $650,000 dollars to build and race. The team plans to compete with the new Schulich Axiom in the 2010 American Solar Challenge from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Chicago, Illinois.