New Solar Team Twente starts their first challenge

The new Solar Team Twente is already facing their first challenge after working on the car for just a few weeks: the 24-hour-long iLumen European Solar Challenge at Circuit Zolder in Belgium. The students will start the race on Saturday the 19th of September at 13:00 with the RED E, the team’s newest solar car. The RED E is the smallest solar car to have ever raced the World Solar Challenge, and it can reach a top speed of no less than 128 kilometres per hour. The car needed some adjustments for this 24-hour race, like replacing the lights to drive safely at night. They also selected and trained four new drivers. The drivers were enthusiastic about their first experiences with the RED E during the testing at Twenthe Airport in recent weeks. 

The new team has become close in recent weeks, even though COVID-19 has had a major impact on the organisation of the race. They are excited to camp at Circuit Zolder for four days because the team will have to live in each other’s pockets. Their bond will grow by living together and preparing for the race. The different teams are separated at the camping grounds to reduce physical contact. Team members will also wear mouth masks on and around the racing track.

Solar Team Twente and their partners want to create a sustainable and liveable future and inspire others to do the same. They do this by supporting three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The team uses its solar car for promoting more affordable and clean energy. They want to make a sustainable transformation in the mobility sector by using the latest technologies and being innovative. The solar car is also very quiet, which helps with reducing noise pollution in urban areas. The team tries to reduce global warming and contribute to a more pleasant and liveable environment for everyone by supporting the SDGs.

The team will fully commit to building a brand new solar car after the iLumen European Solar Challenge. With their network of over 150 partners, they are aiming to build the world’s most efficient solar car for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, which will take place in Australia from the 22nd to the 30th of October, 2021. The 3000-kilometre-long race, from Darwin to Adelaide, is the most prestigious race for solar-powered vehicles. Solar Team Twente and their trips to Belgium and Australia can be followed via social media and their website solarteam.nl.