Sunswift II
1997 – 2003
Sunswift II on display in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
Background
In 1997, the team commenced work on Sunswift’s first entirely self-designed car. Sunswift II featured a three-wheeled design, a chromoly space frame, and cutting-edge innovations such as an in-hub wheel motor and Control Area Network electronics.
From 1998 to 2003, the car was continually improved and 4 versions of Sunswift II were designed, built, and raced.
The Sunswift II team was the first, and remains the only, team in the world to encapsulate their own solar panels. This endeavor was known as the TopCell project. Tragically, the team was never able to compete in the 2003 World Solar Challenge with this design due to damage incurred while the car was being transported to Darwin.
Achievements
- First and only team in the world to encapsulate their own solar panels.
- SunRace Enterprise Award for Technical Innovation for the TopCell Project, 2002.
- Siemens Prize for Innovation for the CAN electrical system, awarded to team member David Snowden, 2002.
- 2nd in the 2003 Sunrace.
- Did not compete in the 2003 World Solar Challenge due to damage.
- 2nd in the 2002 SunRace.
- 11th in the 2001 World Solar Challenge.
- 18th in the 1999 World Solar Challenge.
- 3rd in the 1999 SunRace.
Video Link
The Team
2005 Sunswift III Build Team
2005 World Solar Challenge Race Team
2006 Sunswift III mk 2 Build Team
2006 Australian Transcontinental Record Attempt (Perth to Sydney)
2007 World Solar Challenge Race Team
