Sunswift 7

Our most capable vehicle to date.

Years Active:

2020-Current

Overview

Sunswift 7 is the seventh solar car developed by Sunswift Racing and represents a leap in efficiency and endurance. Designed during the COVID-19 pandemic, its development faced lockdowns, remote collaboration, and the cancellation of the 2021 World Solar Challenge - but the team persisted, unveiling the vehicle in 2022 after 18 months of intense work.

Built for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge’s Cruiser Class, Sunswift 7 features a lightweight carbon fibre chassis, a 5 m² solar array, and custom low-resistance tyres. Stripped of non-essentials to maximise performance, the car weighs just 500 kg and boasts an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.095. In 2022, it broke a Guinness World Record by driving 1000 km on a single charge in under 12 hours, averaging nearly 85 km/h. It went on to win first place in the Cruiser Class at the 2023 World Solar Challenge - the first Australian team to do so.

The team continues to refine Sunswift 7 as it prepares to return to the world stage at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, showcasing the power of student-led innovation in sustainable transport.

Technical Specifications

DimensionsLength: 4990 mm (196.5 in)
Width: 2050 mm (80.7 in)
Height: 1200 mm (47.2 in)
Wheelbase: 3120 mm (122.8 in)
Weight680 kg (1500 lb)
AerodynamicsCd: 0.095, Frontal Area: 1.86 m² (20.0 sq ft), CdA: 0.177
ChassisCarbon fibre monocoque with foam/aramid honeycomb core
BodyworkCustom Dihedral Synchro Helix Doors, Audi A7 headlights
SuspensionSLM 3D-printed uprights, double wishbone front/rear, pushrod shocks
Battery38kWh, 151.2V lithium-ion pack
Solar Array4.4 m² (47 sq ft) monocrystalline cells
Seats4
MotorsTwin, rear-wheel, synchronous brushless DC motors
Top Speed130 km/h (81 mph)
Maximum Range1500 km (930 miles)

Achievements

Sunswift VIolet

Sustainability at your doorstep.

Years Active:

2016-2019

Overview

Sunswift VIolet was the sixth solar vehicle designed and manufactured by the team, and the second to compete in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge’s Cruiser Class. Development began in 2016 and the car was completed in late 2017.

VIolet was Sunswift’s first four-door, four-seat vehicle, equipped with a 5 m² solar array made up of 318 high-efficiency (22%) monocrystalline silicon cells. Designed to resemble a family car, VIolet introduced features such as live monitoring and fault detection, air conditioning, onboard entertainment, navigation, Wi-Fi, a reverse camera, adjustable seating, parking sensors, dual boot space, and an ergonomic dashboard.

VIolet competed in the 2017 World Solar Challenge but was forced to retire due to a mechanical issue, although it still secured 3rd place in the practicality judging. In December 2018, the team drove VIolet across the continent from Perth, setting a Guinness World Record for the lowest energy consumption while crossing Australia in an electric vehicle. Leading up to its final appearance in the 2019 World Solar Challenge, VIolet underwent extensive mechanical and electrical upgrades - closing out its chapter in Sunswift’s racing history.

Technical Specifications

DimensionsLength: 5.0 metres (16 ft 5 in)
Width: 2.2 metres (7 ft 2 in)
Height: 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in)
Weight700 kilograms (no driver)
Solar Array5.0 m² (53.7 sq ft), 318 monocrystalline cells, 22% efficiency
Seats4
ChassisCarbon fibre monocoque with foam/aramid core
MotorsTwin, rear wheel, in hub, synchronous DC motors
Maximum Speed140 km/h (87 mph)
60 km/h solar only
Maximum Range1000 km @ 100 km/h speed
Battery10–20 kilowatt-hours (36–72 MJ) lithium-ion, 90–153V
TelemetryCustom CAN network (voltages, motor speeds, temperatures)

Achievements

Sunswift eVe

Pushing the limits of technology.

Years Active:

2012-2016

Overview

The design and construction of eVe began in early 2012 and was completed within 18 months, just in time for the 2013 World Solar Challenge.The car cost approximately $500,000 and was built to compete in the new Cruiser Class in the WSC. This class focused on more practical solar cars with passenger seats, greater safety and more efficient batteries. On a single charge of its batteries, eVe can travel up to 500 kilometres (310 mi) or over 800 kilometres (500 mi) if powered by its own solar cells.

In July 2014 The Sunswift team broke an FIA World Record which was overseen by the Confederation of Australian Motorsport, for the fastest electric vehicle capable of travelling 500 kilometres (310 mi) on a single battery charge. The team beat the previous record 73 kilometres per hour (45 mph) – set in 1988 – with an average speed of 107 kilometres per hour (66 mph) over the 500-kilometre (310 mi) distance, which was done at the Australian Automotive Research Centre in Victoria.

Technical Specifications

DimensionsLength: 4.5 metres (15 ft)
Width: 1.8 metres (5 ft 11 in)
Height: 1.1 metres (3 ft 7 in)
Weight430 kilograms (950 lb)
Solar Array4.0 m² (43 sq ft), monocrystalline silicon (>23% efficiency)
Seats2 carbon fibre seats with 3-point harness
ChassisCarbon fibre monocoque with foam/aramid honeycomb core
MotorsTwin, rear-wheel, brushless synchronous DC motors
Maximum SpeedAchieved: 132 km/h (82 mph)
Theoretical: 140 km/h (87 mph)
Battery16 kilowatt-hours (58 MJ)
TelemetryCustom CAN network (GPS, motor speed, tilt, temperatures)

Achievements

Sunswift IVy

A Guinness World Record holder.

Years Active:

2009-2011

Overview

As with eVe, IVy was built to compete in the World Solar Challenge, specifically for the 2009 race. However, unlike eVe, IVy raced as part of the Challenger Class and Challenger Class Silicon, finishing 4th overall despite being the first silicon powered car across the line. Overall, the entire project took approximately 18 months and $250,000 to complete.

On January 7, 2011, at the Royal Australian Navy airbase, HMAS Albatross, IVy broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest solar-powered vehicle. Australian racing driver Barton Mawer brought IVy to a top speed of 88.5 kilometres per hour (55.0 mph), beating the previous record of 22 years by over 10 kilometres per hour (6.2 mph). The rules of the record required that IVy be powered solely by the sun and with the entire battery pack removed, the car weighed only 140 kilograms (310 lb).

In 2011 IVy returned to the World Solar Challenge - where she consistently reached top speeds of 100km/h and above. After 5 days and 3021km of racing from Darwin to Adelaide we placed 1st in the Production Challenge Class and 6th overall.

Technical Specifications

DimensionsLength: 4.6 metres (15 ft)
Width: 1.8 metres (5 ft 11 in)
Height: 0.93 metres (3 ft 1 in)
Weight165 kilograms (364 lb)
Solar Array5.99 m² (64.5 sq ft), 397 A300 cells @22% and 56 UNSW TopCells @16% efficiency
SeatsDriver's compartment integrated into chassis (no conventional seat)
ChassisCarbon fibre monocoque with Nomex honeycomb and fiberglass canopy
MotorsSingle rear-wheel brushless synchronous DC motor with permanent magnets
Maximum Speed110 km/h (88.7 km/h solar only)
Battery4.85 kilowatt-hours (17.5 MJ) at 89.1–138.6 V
TelemetryCustom CAN system (GPS, motor temperature, voltages, currents)

Achievements

Sunswift III

Perth to Sydney in 5 ½ days.

Years Active:

2005-2008

Overview

Sunswift III was designed for the 2005 WSC. Mechanical problems caused a crash before the race, and the car completed the course unofficially.

In 2006, the mechanics were improved. In January 2007, Jaycar Sunswift III broke the world transcontinental record, completing the drive from Perth to Sydney in 5.5 days.

In September, the team successfully completed the WSC in ninth place overall, and was also awarded the CSIRO technical innovation award, out of an initial field of 41 international entrants. The same year, the Sunswift team was awarded the 2007 Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Award for Education and Training.

Technical Specifications

DimensionsLength: 6.0 metres (19 ft 7 in)
Width: 2.0 metres (6 ft 7 in)
Height: 0.9 metres (2 ft 11 in)
Weight220 kilograms (490 lb)
Solar Array11.5 m² (124 sq ft) of 20% efficient solar cells, output 1.8 kilowatts (2.4 hp)
ChassisCarbon fibre monocoque
Battery2.5 kilowatt-hours
Maximum Speed120 km/h (74.5 mph)

Achievements

Sunswift II

Redefining sustainable transport.

Years Active:

1998-2005

Overview

Between 1997 and 2003, the team developed, refined and raced four versions of UNSW Sunswift II. In 2000-2001, the team embarked on the TopCell project to manufacture buried contact Solar Cells to construct a new solar array. This makes the UNSW Solar Racing Team the first and only team to have made their own solar cells. Along the way, the team achieved a new world record efficiency for this type of solar cell. The remaining cells on UNSW Sunswift II are the world's highest efficiency "PERL" silicon solar cells, made at UNSW. The team also pioneered a cell encapsulation technique which allowed the moulding of solar panels to the curved shape of the car.

Technical Specifications

DimensionsLength: 4.4 metres (14 ft)
Width: 2.0 metres (6 ft 7 in)
Height: 0.9 metres (2 ft 11 in)
Weight180 kilograms (400 lb)
Solar Array8 m² at 19.5% efficiency, BP "Saturn" cells (approx. 1 kilowatt / 1.3 hp output)
ChassisChromoly space frame with carbon fibre seat
MotorsUNSW/CSIRO electric wheel motor, 3 kilowatts (4.0 hp)
SuspensionDouble wishbone front/rear with Öhlins motorcycle shock absorbers
Maximum Speed120 km/h (74.5 mph)
Battery102 Sony lithium-ion batteries, 3 kilowatt-hours (11 MJ) at 20 V, 30 kg total weight
TelemetryFluke Hydra data logger/radio modem

Achievements

Sunswift I

The start of something new.

Years Active:

1996-1998

Overview

The original Sunswift vehicle was purchased from the Aurora Vehicle Association in 1996. The car, Aurora Q1, was significantly upgraded and improved by the UNSW SRT and renamed Sunswift, under team leader Byron Kennedy. A new motor and controller, roll cage, chassis and batteries were added. Sunswift I then went on to race in the 1996 World Solar Challenge. The car was still a competitive entry despite its age, placing 9th out of over 46 entries. The experience gained from racing Sunswift I inspired the development of Sunswift II starting in 1997.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sunswift/albums/72157644706804707/with/14424253878

Technical Specifications

Total Cost$95,000 + $200,000 (Aurora Q1 purchase)
DimensionsLength: 4.46 metres (14.6 ft)
Width: 2.0 metres (6 ft 7 in)
Height: 1.01 metres (3 ft 4 in)
Weight255 kilograms (562 lb)
Solar Array7.88 m² (84.8 sq ft), 1923 PERL mono cells, 18.5% efficiency
ChassisAluminium A-frame/glass fibre reinforced Nomex (upper and lower)
MotorsT-Flux TF406 permanent magnet DC, Brushless
Maximum SpeedExperimental: 63 km/h (39 mph)
Theoretical: 70 km/h (43 mph)
Battery58 Gates Cyclone-G12C Pb/acid cells, 3 kilowatt-hours (11 MJ) at 116 V

Achievements