The Solar Team Eindhoven’s Stella, the first solar‑powered family car ( earlier post ), is the winner of the Cruiser class of the World Solar Challenge 2013.



On the road in Australia. Eindhoven University of Technology / Bart van Overbeeke. Click to enlarge.

Stella completed the race at 13:00 hours on 11 October, after a 3,000 km (1864 mile) journey with an average of three people on board. Their average speed, during the Challenge was 67 km/h (41.6 mph). Top speeds of 120 km/h (75 mph) with a full load of four people were no exception, the team said.

A “practicality” score contributed to the final results. The team was judged on several aspects like comfort, features, styling and aesthetics but also parallel parking and cargo space. Being the only one with a license plate, the road registration of Stella added up in the final score.



Fast driving on raceway. Eindhoven University of Technology / Bart van Overbeeke. Click to enlarge.

A combination of time, recharging from the mains, the number of passengers and the final jury verdict on Saturday decided that the students from TU/e were the World Champions in solar-powered family cars. Event Director Chris Selwood said that after more than 3,000 kilometres it was perhaps fitting, in a category that was intended to bridge the gap between high-end technology and driving practicality, that the results would come down to practical design and the ability to appeal to everyday drivers.



Static charging. Eindhoven University of Technology / Bart van Overbeeke Click to enlarge.

The Netherlands is strongly represented in the Race to the Sun: in the Challenger class which finished earlier this week, Delft was the winner with Nuna7 and Twente took third place.