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A New Challenge with a 3-Wheel Solar Car!

Tokai University Solar Car Team

Tokai University Solar Car Team

Solar car name
Tokai Challenger
Dimension
4.998m x 1.2m x 1m
Weight
140kg
Appealing point
We joined the race with the 23TC designed with three wheels, unlike the previous 19TC which had four wheels. Also, we implemented a new approach by adding parts around the number plate area to enhance aerodynamic performance.
Team Member

Review BWSC 2023 - How do you feel when looking back on this year's race?

At the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, which was held for the first time in four years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we secured 5th place overall, achieving the top position among Japanese participants.
During the race, a significant issue occurred on the fourth day, and we had to step out of the race in the middle. However, we rallied together, carried out repairs, and managed to return to the race.
We received the David Fewchuk Spirit of Event Award, given to those recognized for their fair and gentlemanly conduct throughout the event.

How important are tyres for a solar car? And what do you think about BS ENLITEN® tyre?
Is there any tyre performance you would expect for 2025?

Tires are the only part of the vehicle that directly contacts the ground, making them crucial for stability, energy efficiency, speed, and overall distance traveled. Since energy efficiency is particularly vital for solar cars, the ENLITEN® tires, with their low rolling resistance, are indispensable for winning competitions. Additionally, their high durability prevented any punctures, eliminating downtime due to flats. We hope to continue using tires with low rolling resistance and high durability in the future.

Resolution for BWSC 2025 - Please share your target goal for next year's race. How do you plan to improve this year's machine?

Our goal in BWSC 2025 is to win the Challenger Class. The 2025 model TokaiChallenger will inherit the design of previous vehicles while improving various parts.

Message to the future teammates aspiring to compete BWSC 2025

We look forward to competing with everyone in Australia.

Tokai University Solar Car Team

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Interview

HOMEINTERVIEWA New Challenge with a 3-Wheel Solar Car!

Tokai University Solar Car Team

  • ❶Name
  • ❷Majoring
  • ❸Position in the team
  • ❹Why did you join the team?
  • Takeharu Itsubo
  • General electrical system, Solar car driver
  • Electrical
  • I wanted to build the world's best solar car with my own hands.
  • Keisuke Fujiwara
  • Electrical system box, Support vehicle
  • Electrical
  • I wanted to do things that only the university could offer.
  • Yuichiro Kameyama
  • Mechanism development, Aerodynamic development around tires and lower body, Maintenance
  • Mechanical, Aerodynamic
  • Since I was young, I've dreamed of racing cars around the world.
  • Takamasa Ninomiya
  • Design and production of aerodynamic parts, Maintenance
  • Mechanical, Aerodynamic
  • I've always been interested in making things, and I got interested in the exhibits at the entrance ceremony through the explanation by the solar car team.
  • Yosuke Okamoto
  • Mechanical design, Mechanical processing, Maintenance, Solar car driver
  • Mechanical
  • I wanted to improve my knowledge and skills in making things and build a wide network of relationships.
  • Yuto Oda
  • Internal structure, Aerodynamic analysis, Maintenance
  • Mechanical (Leader), Aerodynamic
  • I became interested when I took a class taught by Professor Fukuda, an advisor to the team.
  • Sonoko Kodaira
  • Design and production around canopy, Maintenance
  • Mechanical
  • At the entrance ceremony, solar cars were exhibited, and I thought they looked cool.
  • Chisako Hayakawa
  • Photography, Social media management
  • Public Relations
  • I was intrigued by the team aiming for the world.
  • Ryota Yoshida
  • Mechanical design, Maintenance
  • Mechanical
  • I heard from seniors during departmental guidance that there is an environment for manufacturing that are more practical, which interested me.
  • Sora Anzai
  • Lighting systems, Communication systems, Video production
  • Electrical Team, Public Relations Team (Leader)
  • I was originally interested in EVs and took an interest in solar cars in the class.
  • Gaku Kumabayashi
  • Inventory management, Seat belts, Support vehicle
  • Mechanical, Operations
  • I wanted to engage in practical activities like racing.
  • Tomonori Matsuzaki
  • Batteries, Systems
  • Electrical
  • When I saw the 2013 event on TV, I wanted to have a similar experience.
  • Fumiya Sato
  • Power lines, Energy management
  • Electrical
  • I wanted to participate in the world competition.
  • Yudai Umeda
  • Solar panels
  • Electrical Team (Leader), Accounting
  • I was drawn to the challenging activity of making a car that runs 3000km with solar power, introduced in class.
  • Aiko Naoki
  • Mechanism development, Metal processing
  • Mechanical
  • I became interested in the solar vehicle when looking at them exhibited at the entrance ceremony.