The Fastest Solar on Wheels

University of Michigan Wins American Solar Challenge 2010 solar car road race.

Published: 2 de julio de 2010

Oklahoma, United States -- Participants in The American Solar Challenge raced their solar powered cars across the Midwest this week. Twelve teams drove out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, but only one went home a winner: The University of Michigan with its Infinium car.

Infinium crossed the finish line 2 hours, 12 minutes and 9 seconds ahead of the second place team Minnesota. Over the course of 6 days, Infinium traveled 1,100 miles and averaged 40 mph on surface streets and in traffic. The race crew only had 15 minutes on the side of the the road making a minor electrical repair.

This is Michigan's 3rd straight National Championship and 6th overall. The official standings can be found here.

The second place team for the 2010 American Solar Challenge was the University of Minnesota. With an elapsed time of 30 hours, 26 minutes and 53 seconds, there were only a bit more than 10 minutes separating them from the third place finisher. The third place team for the 2010 American Solar Challenge was the Hochschule Bochum. With an elapsed time of 30 hours, 34 minutes and 50 seconds.

The teams traveled across four states in six days, making seven stops at the checkpoints listed below.

• Broken Arrow to Neosho – June 20th
• Neosho to Topeka – June 20th – 21st
• Topeka to Jefferson City – June 22nd
• Jefferson City to Rolla – June 22nd – 23rd
• Rolla to Alton – June 24th
• Alton to Normal – June 24th – 25th
• Normal to Naperville – June 26th

The American Solar Challenge (ASC) is a competition to design, build and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event — designed to bring greater awareness and understanding of solar.

RenewableEnergyWorld.com was at the start line as the teams left Broken Arrow. Watch the video below to hear from event organizers and team members from both Michigan and Hochschule Bochum.