The History:
We made history when our debut solar powered vehicle was crowned joint Event Champions in the 2012 Sasol Solar Challenge. It may not have been the most elegant (it was definitely the cheapest) vehicle on the road but the Batmobile, as our car was affectionately known, certainly was effective.
The Batmobile soaked up the sun through six square metres of solar panels slightly thicker than paper. In broad daylight, these panels stored 1,2 kW energy in a battery, which in turn powered the electric motors in its two front wheels.
The Accolades:
- Joint Event Champions with Tokai University (then the World Champions)
- Safety Award
- Greatest distance travelled in one day (Olympia Class)
- Spirit of Africa Award
- FIA "Best alternative energy for research groups" award
The Specs:
- 300 kg
- 0-100km/h in 10 seconds
- 4m long
- 60km/h average speed
- 110km/hour top speed
- constructed from carbon fibre
What happened to the Batmobile
Our main focus with the Solar Car is to empower learners, and increase their passion for mathematics, science and technology. We have therefore donated the Batmobile to Maragon Private School, where it is being upgraded to also compete in the 2014 Sasol Solar Challenge.