Two years of hard work, late nights and midnight coffees all paid off last week as Western Sydney University’s (WSU) Solar Car Team unveiled their most innovative and advanced solar car design yet, the UNLIMITED 6.0.
The WSU Solar Car Team launched the three-wheeled car at a special event at WSU’s Kingswood campus last Friday in front of proud faculty, family and friends.
The UNLIMITED 6.0 features design upgrades including a composite front roll hoop to protect the driver. The hoop can support the weight of a family car despite weighing just under two kilograms.
WSU’s Solar Car Team Manager, Ruairi Milligan was excited to launch the car, saying it marked an exciting chapter for the team.
“Hundreds of components on UNLIMITED 6.0 were uniquely engineered to help our solar car perform at its absolute best, despite predictions of up to 20 per cent less sunlight than previous events with the challenge being held in winter for the first time,” Milligan said.
“Our strategy focuses on integrating our most efficient silicon solar panels and completely redesigning the battery management system to adapt to the expected reduction in solar input.”
The car will compete in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in August, an international event where teams traverse over 3,000km from Darwin to Adelaide using solar powered vehicles, putting the cars to the ultimate test to withstand the harsh Australian Outback.
The UNLIMITED 6.0’s top speed is 130km/h and can travel at highway speeds through the Australian Outback powered by the same amount of energy that a home kettle uses.
WSU Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams commended the team on their innovation and advancements in clean, renewable energy.
“For over a decade, the Western Sydney Solar Car team has taken pride in designing, building and racing world-class solar powered vehicles with a commitment to sharing their passion and innovative ideas on the world stage,” Williams said.
“UNLIMITED 6.0 is an example of how Western Sydney University is showing the world the way by delivering community impact and safeguarding the planet for future generations.”
WSU Solar Car Team member Isabella Warland explained the innovative features of UNLIMITED 6.0 including a completely wireless steering wheel to improve efficiency while also reducing weight, sealed wheel covers and movable fairings to enhance performance.
“Our electrical system is something special with thousands of hours going into designing and manufacturing the complex circuitry required to power the vehicle. On the mechanical side, we’ve developed five brand-new devices,” Warland said.
“Building the best solar car in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge takes more than one great idea – it takes a combination of smart systems and strong teamwork, where strategy and even the smallest of details can make a difference.”
Follow the team’s progress in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge via their website solarcar.scem.westernsydney.edu.au/events.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.