H&S

U.Va. Solar Car team set to race its solar powered car for the first time in 20 years

Members of the team trace success of the car to both virtual and in-person teamwork, also noting social rewards from the building process



By Maddie Mixon
June 21, 2022

For the first time in its 20-year history, the U.Va. Solar Car team will compete in an endurance race at the Formula Sun Grand Prix. The team will travel to Topeka, Kan. July 5 to race a new solar car that has been two years in the making. Over a three-day period, they will attempt to complete the most laps around the course while competing against other universities’ solar cars.

Solar cars are drivable, electric vehicles that are completely powered by the sun. Building a solar car from the ground up is no small task — constructing one requires careful coordination of design work, electrical engineering and structural assembly.

For Nicky Palmer, solar lead of U.Va. Solar Car and rising fourth-year Engineering student, racing the car this summer marks the culmination of the team’s hard work.

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2022 American Solar Challenge



ASC 2022 Team Photo



Printable Schedule

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