Solar-Powered Vehicle Manufacturers from Stanford University: Eco-Friendly Automakers
In the world of sustainable technology, the Stanford Solar Car Project (SSCP) continues to make strides, with their latest development being the completion and active racing of their newest vehicle, Azimuth. This remarkable solar car was finished in summer 2024, and it recently earned second place in the 2025 Formula Sun Grand Prix at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park, Kentucky[1][2]. Azimuth completed 212 laps (667.8 miles) in the Single Occupant Vehicle Class, demonstrating strong performance and reliability ahead of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
The team behind Azimuth has been working tirelessly to ensure its success. The array team, for instance, has made significant progress in designing and analyzing solar module layouts, while collaborating with Alta devices[3]. Meanwhile, the mechanical team is focusing on the chassis, suspension, and mechanical subsystems, and is also testing new carbon fiber for the car's aerobody[4]. The battery team, on the other hand, has made significant strides in designing their test pack and is closing in on a stable race-oriented design[5].
The electrical team has also been hard at work. They have successfully prototyped a potentiometer-based throttle and have updated the steering wheel PCB. Moreover, they have completed a controller board with five light controllers[6]. The team is grateful to Sierra Circuits for wrapping up the vehicle computer[7].
The Stanford Solar Car Project is a student-run initiative that relies on close teamwork and continuous improvements as they prepare for future competitions like the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge[1][4][5]. The project's focus on sustainable technology is evident in their designs, with their previous model, Sundae, featuring an asymmetrical catamaran aerobody[2].
The new solar car model from the Stanford team will be unveiled in mid-July this summer[8]. The team's participation in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, held every two years, is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of solar-powered vehicle technology.
[1] Stanford Solar Car Project. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://sscp.stanford.edu/about [2] Stanford Solar Car Project. (n.d.). Sundae. Retrieved from https://sscp.stanford.edu/sundae [3] Stanford Solar Car Project. (n.d.). Array. Retrieved from https://sscp.stanford.edu/array [4] Stanford Solar Car Project. (n.d.). Mechanical. Retrieved from https://sscp.stanford.edu/mechanical [5] Stanford Solar Car Project. (n.d.). Battery. Retrieved from https://sscp.stanford.edu/battery [6] Stanford Solar Car Project. (n.d.). Electrical. Retrieved from https://sscp.stanford.edu/electrical [7] Stanford Solar Car Project. (n.d.). Sierra Circuits. Retrieved from https://sscp.stanford.edu/sierra-circuits [8] Stanford Solar Car Project. (n.d.). News. Retrieved from https://sscp.stanford.edu/news
The Stanford Solar Car Project's latest development, Azimuth, showcases advancements in both environmental-science and technology, as the team collaborates with Alta devices to perfect the solar module layouts. Meanwhile, the project's focus on sports is evident in their participation in competitions such as the Formula Sun Grand Prix and the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, where their sustained effort in improving the chassis, suspension, and battery design has earned them recognition.
