Cambridge Solar Car Runs on Michelin Motorbike Tyres

A group of Cambridge University students has been praying for plenty of sunshine – but not because they are on holiday. The team of four students are responsible for the first ever solar-powered journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Backed by a team of around 40 other students from the Cambridge University Eco Racing team (CUER), the drivers aim to inspire the public about environmental issues and sustainable technologies.

The solar car, Affinity, which has been given a special order to drive as a prototype vehicle, is thought to have a top speed of around 50-60mph and scheduled displays schools and other venues along the 934-mile route. And for those of us in the tyre trade, it is interesting to note that team are achieving their impressively low rolling resistance results on a set of Michelin M45 motorcycle tyres!

Team captain Martin McBrien said: “Designing and building the car has been an exhilarating experience for all involved, with the many ups and downs, late nights, and breakthrough moments making the whole project worthwhile. Sustainable transportation is no longer an issue for the future, but for today. With oil at $135 a barrel, proving that travelling on free energy from the sun is possible brings real hope.”

Following the completion of End to End, the CUER team turn their attention to producing a second, more advanced solar vehicle to compete in the 2009 World Solar Challenge. The WSC is the premier solar environmentally-friendly race, bringing together around 30 teams from around the world to compete in a 1,850-mile race from Darwin to Adelaide across the Australian outback.

If they do enter, it will be the first time Cambridge University have taken part in the challenge.