Racing team aCentauri Solar Racing masters Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

(CONNECT) The aCentauri Solar Racing (aCE) team, based at Technopark Zurich, mastered the Challenger Class of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2025(BWSC) at the end of August with its fully solar-powered Silvretta racing car. According to a press release, the team of students from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland(FHNW) came 11th out of 26 and was one of only 14 teams to cross the finish line in Adelaide.

During the six-day race in the Australian outback, progress was made in various key areas of the solar project, according to the press release. Improved energy management and interaction between the solar deck and aerodynamics made the vehicle more effective compared to previous tests, while streamlined improvements to the vehicle also reduced drag and increased its stability. The improved robustness of the vehicle enabled the team to withstand rough roads and extreme weather and temperature conditions. Project team members had to literally shield its solar array during violent storms on the Stuart Highway to maintain the technology. On the last day, heavy rain made progress almost impossible at times.

"We have achieved measurable improvements in terms of efficiency, stability and reliability compared to our last participation and have proven the design and manufacturing quality of the car under some of the toughest conditions imaginable," team manager Clara Nörenberg is quoted as saying.

With the lessons learned from BWSC 2025, aCe aims to further develop its aerodynamic concepts and proven manufacturing methods as well as refine its control strategies. A dedicated electric motor is set to set new efficiency standards in the future. With the European Solar Challenge in September 2026 and the presentation of a new solar car for the BWSC 2027, new challenges are already on the horizon. ce/yes