About Us
Who We Are
We are the UCI Solar Car Project (ZotSun), a student-run interdisciplinary team of 60 undergraduates from the University of California, Irvine with a passion for innovative engineering and sustainability. Our mission is to revolutionize zero-emission transportation. Currently, we are building a solar car to compete in the Formula Sun Grand Prix of 2025, a race designed to determine the most efficient and aerodynamic solar-powered vehicles.
Our Values
Sustainability
In building our solar car, we aim not only to compete in races, but also to compete in the development of innovative, sustainable technology. We envision a future where we can make a positive impact on the environment through our work.
Innovation
Our technological development comes from the brilliant minds of aspiring engineers, fueled by creativity, as they tirelessly seek innovative and practical solutions to real-world challenges. Our objective extends beyond the creation of a solar car; we aspire to push the boundaries and explore the full potential of solar technology, paving the road for sustainable transportation.
Community
Our technological development comes from the brilliant minds of aspiring engineers, fueled by creativity, as they tirelessly seek innovative and practical solutions to real-world challenges. Our objective extends beyond the creation of a solar car; we aspire to push the boundaries and explore the full potential of solar technology, paving the road for sustainable transportation.
The Races
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American Solar Challenge
A challenge for collegiate teams to design, build, and race solar-powered vehicles across a 1,500-2,000 mile route. Participants, primarily university students, form multidisciplinary teams to create innovative solar cars, emphasizing aerodynamics and energy efficiency. The competition serves as a platform for hands-on experience, pushing the boundaries of solar technology and inspiring the next generation of engineers focused on sustainable transportation solutions.
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Formula Sun Grand Prix
Teams test their solar-powered vehicles on a closed circuit, assessing the efficiency and performance of their designs under controlled conditions. They record the number of laps they complete around a racetrack in just three days. The race's purpose is to promote solar energy, sustainable transportation, and firsthand learning opportunities for students, encouraging them to apply their engineering skills to develop efficient and high-performance solar cars in a competitive environment.