Ireland’s first solar race car to be driven by local student
A team of Dublin City University (DCU) engineering and technology students has made Irish motorsport and clean-technology history by revealing Ireland’s first-ever solar-powered racing car.
Killarney man Rian Gill, holds the position of Team Principal and Lead Engineer at DCU Solar Racing and will take the wheel to drive the car during the international event.
Designed and hand-built over four years of intensive research, prototyping, and aerodynamic testing, the ultra-efficient single-seater vehicle represents a major milestone for Irish higher education and green innovation.
The team will officially unveil the car to the public on Wednesday next , September 9 at 6 pm at The Helix, DCU.
Following its launch, the student team will represent Ireland on the international stage at the iLumen European Solar Challenge (iESC) at Circuit Zolder in Belgium on September 19 to 20.
Competing against top international university engineering teams, the 24-hour endurance challenge tests vehicles on speed, energy management, and battery efficiency.
Over 40 multidisciplinary students spanning mechanical, electrical, software engineering, and business operations contributed to the project. Equipped with custom solar array architecture, lightweight composite materials, and bespoke telemetry systems, the vehicle relies entirely on solar energy and clean battery storage to run.
The custom-engineered vehicle—a sleek, 6-meter “bullet” model designed for maximum power conversion and minimal drag—recently underwent track validation and high-speed testing at Mondello Park, Co. Kildare.
Speaking ahead of the launch Gill said:
“It’s been incredible to see the work done over the past four years and to see all the effort pay off. Timeless hourshave resulted in this pinnacle of Irish engineering, thanks to the support of our partners, university and the students behind the project.”
Jennifer Bruton, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing added:
“This project showcases the practical, future-focused, boundary-pushing talent emerging from DCU. Beyond competing in international motorsport, these students are proving that sustainable transport solutions are achievable today through dedication, teamwork, multidisciplinary hands-on application, and vision.”
The DCU Solar Racing team test drove their car for the first time at Mondello Park earlier this week.
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