Solar Car
Maker and role
Solar Kiwi Team, Constructor
Production date
1993
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Object detail
Accession number
2008.17
Maker
Production period
Description
A solar powered car, designed and built in New Zealand. On Sunday, November 7th, 1993, 52 fragile solar-powered vehicles left Darwin to travel 3000km across the centre of Australia to Adelaide in a race described by the organisers as "The event of the future" In the 1993 World Solar Challenge the car came first in three classes: Private Entry Class Using Lead Acid Batteries Using Commercial Solar Cells. Also received the 'Best Team Spirit' award, and placed 15th overall in a field of 52. 2008.17.2 = Trailer. The car came with a trailer, in which it is stored when it is not on display. 2008.17.3 = Automatic battery charger model 9603 MAST / PP 2008.17.4 = Support frame. There is a triangular metal frame wrapped in red / yellow tape (see pic) which supports the solar panel while the car is in storage.
Brief History
Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the Solar Kiwi Car was developed for the World Solar Challenge held in 1993. This engineering Challenge, established in 1987, requires competing teams to design, build and drive a solar powered vehicle across the 3000kms route from Darwin to Adelaide. During the 1993 event, this car placed 15th.
Marks
Solar Kiwi - type: 41. Inscribed
Media/Materials
Physical description
Top speed: 100kph
Cruising speed: 60-65kph
Brakes: Hydraulic Drum Front Wheels - Regenerative Rear Wheel
Suspension: Rear: Trailing Arm. Front: Leading Beam with Lurothane Springing
Motor + Controller: Patented 96v DC CADAC Motor (Designed by Peter Clark)
Batteries: Sealed Lead Acid 96v System 1.8Kwh
Wheels: Sealed Lead Acid 96v System 1.8Kwh
Suspension Components: Chrome - Moly
Transmission: Chain Drive
Wing Tilt Mechanism: Driven by Linear Actuator
Cruising speed: 60-65kph
Brakes: Hydraulic Drum Front Wheels - Regenerative Rear Wheel
Suspension: Rear: Trailing Arm. Front: Leading Beam with Lurothane Springing
Motor + Controller: Patented 96v DC CADAC Motor (Designed by Peter Clark)
Batteries: Sealed Lead Acid 96v System 1.8Kwh
Wheels: Sealed Lead Acid 96v System 1.8Kwh
Suspension Components: Chrome - Moly
Transmission: Chain Drive
Wing Tilt Mechanism: Driven by Linear Actuator
Collection
Credit Line
Solar Kiwi Team. 1993. Solar Car, 2008.17. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
On display?
On display
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