Florida High School Students Design and Build Solar-Powered Race Car

Engineering a Solar-Powered Race Car

• 💡 Students at North Tampa Christian Academy designed and built a solar-powered car, integrating skills learned in an intro to engineering class.
• 🛠️ The curriculum covered welding, fabrication, cutting metal, and electrical work, all applied to the car's construction.
• ✅ Students were responsible for approximately 99% of the welding and significant portions of the design, wiring, and bodywork.

Car Design and Features

• 🚗 The car features three pedals: one for acceleration and two for braking (front and rear).
• 🚀 Its top speed is 50 mph, and the cost to build was approximately $7,000.
• ⚠️ Despite its capabilities, the car's performance is dependent on sunlight, with clouds posing a potential slowdown.

Competition and Student Experience

• 🏁 The solar car is set to compete next month against other high school teams at Texas Motor Speedway.
• 🏅 Last year's team participated in the Solar Car Challenge, covering over 650 miles in four days.
• 🤕 One student shared an experience of crashing and blacking out during a previous race, highlighting the trial-and-error nature of the project.
• 🚀 Students are driven by the success of their creation, with one student eager to participate for a second time.