Over the weekend, 16 groups that certified from the Electrek System Solar Grand Prix (FSGP) departed from the Journey Science Middle in Nashville, TN, for an epic 8-day 1,550+ mile trek to Casper, WY, utilizing nothing however power from the solar.
Now, the photo voltaic autos have accomplished the primary stage of the cross-country Electrek American Photo voltaic Problem (ASC). Listed below are the outcomes and how one can observe the workforce’s areas in actual time!
What’s the American Photo voltaic Problem?
In case you missed it, the ASC is a biennial colligate competitors through which groups from faculties around the globe design, construct, and drive solar-powered autos throughout america. Groups competing within the 2024 occasion, title sponsored by Electrek, will journey via a number of completely different historic trails and websites, massive cities, and throughout the plains, ending on the Nationwide Historic Trails Interpretive Middle in Casper, Wyoming.
The ASC and the FSGP are very related in terms of scoring. Each are primarily mileage-based competitions. Single-occupant autos (SOVs) will compete for probably the most miles pushed. On the identical time, Multi-Occupant Automobiles (MOVs) are scored utilizing a hefty formulation that features person-miles pushed, their practicality rating, the quantity of grid charging used, and whether or not they keep the 35mph goal common velocity.
Just like the FSGP, the American Photo voltaic Problem is open to the general public. At every of the ten stops alongside the route, photo voltaic automobiles will likely be held for at the least 45 minutes earlier than being launched to proceed on the drive or full elective loops for further miles. This permits spectators to view the modern photo voltaic automobiles up shut, meet the groups, and study concerning the unimaginable engineering behind these autos.
Reside tracker
As of writing, the photo voltaic automobiles have simply kicked off Stage 2, leaving Edwardsville, IL, and are en path to the Missouri state capitol, Jefferson Metropolis. Whereas the very best time to see the autos is throughout checkpoints and stops, the official ASC web site supplies not solely estimated instances when autos will move via cities in every state but in addition a stay tracker!
Stage 1 outcomes
Listed below are the outcomes from Stage 1 of the Electrek American Photo voltaic Problem! At this stage, the photo voltaic automobiles drove from Nashville, TN, to Edwardsville, IL, with a checkpoint cease in Paducah, KY. The next graphic particulars every workforce’s miles pushed on the route and elective loops.
Congrats to the Prisum Photo voltaic Automobile from Iowa State and the College of Michigan Photo voltaic Automobile Staff for taking first of their courses!
Stage 1 Single-Occupant Class Rating:
| Staff | Miles pushed | Penalties | Avg. velocity (mph) |
| 1. Michigan | 506.2 miles | 7 | 33.07 mph |
| 2. ETS | 481 miles | 3 | 30.37 mph |
| 3. Illinois | 420.6 miles | 5 | 26.48 mph |
| 4. Purdue | 374.8 miles | 2 | 21.61 mph |
| 5. Illinois State | 370.8 miles | 6 | 24.22 mph |
| 6. Florida | 370.8 miles | 6 | 22.7 mph |
| 7. Texas A&M | 199.9 miles | 6 | 12.78 mph |
Stage 1 Multi-Occupant Class Rating:
| Staff | Miles pushed | Rank rating | Penalties | Avg. velocity (mph) |
| Iowa State | 356.8 miles | 101.35 | 0 | 32.87 mph |
| Poly Montreal | 375.8 miles | 86.46 | 1 | 32.64 mph |
| App State | 376.8 miles | 69.58 | 20 | 32.4 mph |
| MIT | 325.8 | 0.05 | 51 | 24.76 mph |
Word: MOV class rank doesn’t issue within the quantity of grid charging used or practicality scores. The ultimate rating on the finish of the competitors will embody these two values.
Some photographs from the competitors thus far. You’ll find tons extra on Flickr.
Featured photographs through ASC/Electrek/Cora Kennedy
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