In a move aimed at advancing sustainable mobility, ETA Green Power has partnered with Cambridge University ECO Racing (CUER) to enhance its drive technology for solar-powered race vehicles. CUER, a team of Cambridge students focusing on solar vehicle design and racing, competes in the renowned World Solar Challenge, a 3,000-kilometer race from Darwin to Adelaide, Australia. This collaboration highlights a growing interest in integrating advanced electric drive systems into solar vehicles, marking a strategic step forward for both organizations. Beyond the technical partnership, the collaboration also serves to promote renewable energy solutions in the automotive sector, drawing attention to their potential through competitive sports.
What is the focus of this collaboration?
The team will utilize ETA Green Power’s high-power density drive systems, which are notably lighter and more compact than conventional alternatives. This advanced technology is expected to facilitate CUER’s development of the SC7, a next-generation solar race car. Targeted for completion by mid-2025, the SC7 will undergo rigorous testing to meet the demands of the challenging World Solar Challenge. The car will also be showcased at the British Motor Show, school events, and trade exhibitions, serving as a platform to demonstrate the capabilities of sustainable electric drive technology.
How do stakeholders view this partnership?
CUER’s Technical Director Jeremias Pohle expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the significance of the innovative technology provided by ETA Green Power.
“The CUER team are delighted to have selected and be partnering with ETA Green Power for our vehicle development. We are looking forward to working with this innovative solution, to allow our vehicles to push the boundaries of sustainable transport.”
Similarly, David Morgan, Co-founder and Executive Director of ETA Green Power, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting CUER’s objectives.
“ETA Green Power is delighted to be selected by CUER with our patented high power density drive system, designed to be significantly lighter and more compact than anything on the market. We look forward to empowering CUER’s ambitious goals with our cutting-edge electric drive system and to enabling their success through our contribution.”
In previous years, CUER has gained recognition for its innovative designs and participation in solar racing competitions worldwide. Past iterations of CUER’s vehicles have faced challenges, including efficiency issues and technological hurdles, which limited competitive performance. However, this latest partnership introduces a new dimension to CUER’s vehicle development, leveraging cutting-edge electric drive technology to address previous shortcomings and meet the growing demands of the solar racing field.
This partnership underscores the potential of collaboration between academic teams and technology firms in addressing environmental challenges. By focusing on solar-powered race vehicles, the project combines advanced engineering with the promotion of renewable energy solutions. For CUER, the integration of ETA Green Power’s technology is expected to enhance vehicle performance, ensuring greater competitiveness in international racing events. Meanwhile, for ETA, the collaboration provides an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of its patented drive systems in a high-profile, demanding context.
As industries worldwide explore alternatives to traditional energy sources, partnerships like this serve as practical examples of how innovation can drive sustainable mobility forward. The SC7 project, once completed, could inspire further advancements in solar-powered vehicles, not only for competition but also for wider adoption in transportation. Such developments may prove pivotal in reducing global reliance on fossil fuels and achieving long-term environmental goals. By aligning their expertise, CUER and ETA Green Power aim to contribute to shaping the future of clean energy technologies in transportation.
