A Powerful Partnership

The University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project (SVP) team’s newest solar-powered car, Eos II, was one of five vehicles in its class to finish the week-long 1,800-mile Bridgestone World Solar Challenge across the Australian Outback, held October 7-13.

The U of M team was one of 42 groups from around the world to compete in the challenge. Teams competed in three categories—challenger, cruiser, and adventure.

Eos II ran in the cruiser class, the category for cars that are efficient and comfortable enough to one day serve a mass market. Of the 13 cars entered in that class, only five made it to the finish line.

The U’s SVP team posted updates throughout the challenge on Facebook and Twitter. In addition, they created a video to thank 3M specifically for its mentorship, guidance, and financial backing in the building and preparation of Eos II.