Brisbane will be home to a design and manufacturing hub producing the world’s first commercial and road- registered fully solar powered electric cars.
A new facility for the project at Macarthur Avenue, Eagle Farm was opened by Queensland’s Minister for Energy, Mark Bailey, yesterday.
The solar-electric cars will be made by Team Arrow. You may have heard the name before – Team Arrow has previously competed in the World Solar Challenge; the world’s most prestigious solar car race that is held in Australia every two years.
Team Arrow was the highest ranked Australian finisher in the last World Solar Challenge and also won the mechanical design award in the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge.
“The Palaszczuk Government is a strong advocate for renewable energy and a cleaner, greener energy future and I’m pleased to say that Economic Development Queensland has given the home team a flying start by providing long term access to the Eagle Farm site and workshop facilities,” said Minister Bailey.
The prototype vehicle under construction for next year’s World Solar Challenge “Cruiser” class will be road registered from the outset and used as a base to develop a model destined for the general market. The Cruiser Class was established to encourage solar cars designed for practicality and acceptance.
“What better stage to launch than the 2017 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge,” says Team Arrow founder Cameron Tuesley. “Our ‘race’ version of our car of the future will also be the first road-registered solar vehicle to compete in the Challenge.”
Those interested in buying a vehicle will need to have substantial cash reserves. According to an ABC report; the custom-made vehicles could initially cost $250,000. Mr. Tuesley says they’ve already taken orders.
The Arrow STF (Sports Touring Framework) will be a two seater solar electric racing car, boasting 98% efficient motors, five square metres of 24.4% efficient solar panels and a lithium ion battery pack. It will have a range of 300 – 400 km range at highway speeds and 1000+ km range at city driving speeds.
As for how it will look, here’s an initial drawing to give you an idea.
Another World Solar Challenge Australian favourite also working on a road registered version of their race vehicle is the SunSwift team.
The next World Solar Challenge will be held 8 – 15 October 2017 and will mark 30 years since the inaugural event.
