What is the Durham University Solar Car Project?
Durham University Electric Motorsport (DUEM) is the UK’s leading solar car team, founded back in 2002. They design, build, and race solar vehicles entirely in-house, pushing the boundaries of green technology and innovation. Over 50 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various specialities like Vehicle Dynamics, Electronics, and Aerodynamics come together to create efficient, solar-powered cars. The team is fully funded by sponsorship and supported by a dedicated Business, PR & Marketing crew, ensuring their ambitious projects come to life. DUEM has showcased their work at major events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the London Motor Show, highlighting their commitment to sustainable motorsport and renewable energy.
Main Achievements and Key Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the team’s most impressive milestones and stats:
- 2023: Completed the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge for the first time, finishing as the highest ranking British team in the Challenger class.
- 2024: Achieved 9th place in the Challenger class at the iLumen European Solar Challenge, becoming UK National Champions in a 24-hour endurance race.
- 225 laps completed at Circuit Zolder, Belgium, with the specially modified Ortus-T car featuring an innovative twin motor setup and low centre of mass.
- Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: Showcased two race vehicles, DUSC2023 and Ortus-T, with DUSC2023 conquering the iconic Hill Climb alongside F1 and hyper cars.
- 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge: Finished 11th overall, the best British placing, completing the 3000 km race across the Australian outback in under six days.
- Over 1,500 students engaged through community outreach and school visits in 2021 alone, spreading awareness of STEM and sustainable transport.
- 2019: Ortus car reached a top speed of 88 kph, weighed just 178 kg, and used less power than a hairdryer, finishing 14th in the Challenger class.
Racing History and Evolution
The journey of DUEM’s solar cars is a story of continuous innovation and resilience. Starting with their first entry in the 2008 North American Solar Challenge, where they earned “Rookie Team of the Year,” the team has steadily improved their designs and race strategies. The 2011 World Solar Challenge saw them tackle harsh Australian conditions, overcoming fragile solar cells to finish in seven days. By 2015, a complete redesign introduced a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and advanced aerodynamics, setting the stage for the successful 2017 race with the DUSC2017 car. Each iteration has brought new lessons, pushing the team closer to their goal of sustainable, high-performance solar vehicles.
Community Outreach and Education
DUEM isn’t just about racing—they’re passionate about inspiring the next generation. Their Solar Tour UK in 2021 took them to 12 schools across the country, from the Isle of Sheppey to Newcastle, engaging over 1,500 students with talks about STEM and sustainable transport. Even when COVID-19 disrupted plans for international races, the team pivoted to local events like the Ouston Solar Challenge, demonstrating creativity and determination. Their efforts have earned them awards like the 2021 Environmental Society of the Year by Bright Network, recognizing their impact in promoting green technology and sustainability education.
Innovations in Solar Car Technology
DUEM’s cars are marvels of engineering, blending lightweight materials with cutting-edge tech. The Ortus-T car, for example, features a twin motor configuration and a low centre of mass, optimised for track performance. Their vehicles weigh as little as 178 kg and achieve speeds up to 100 kph, all while using minimal power. These innovations not only make the cars competitive in endurance races but also showcase the potential of renewable energy in motorsport. The team’s commitment to refining aerodynamics, electrical systems, and vehicle dynamics continues to set new standards in solar car design.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promoting solar-powered transportation.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Advancing green technology and engineering.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Encouraging sustainable transport solutions.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Designing efficient, low-impact vehicles.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy innovation.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Inspiring and educating students in STEM and sustainability.
Looking Ahead: The Future of DUEM
With a rich history and a track record of success, DUEM is gearing up for even more ambitious projects. The team’s ongoing development of solar cars aims to push the limits of what’s possible in sustainable motorsport. Their participation in international challenges and community engagement efforts continues to inspire innovation and awareness around renewable energy. As they build on their achievements, DUEM remains a shining example of how passion, teamwork, and cutting-edge technology can drive a greener future.
