The latest news of the team.
Securing Second and Third: A Flawless Race
After 24 hours of racing, we secured second and third place at the iLumen European Solar Challenge 2024. We are more than happy with our results and our smooth racing style.
Happy Birthday Sonnenwagen - Let’s keep racing!
As Team Sonnenwagen turns nine years old, we start for the fifth time at the iLumen European Solar Challenge. Happy birthday Team Sonnenwagen and now let's race!
Everything set for Tomorrow
We passed both Static- and Dynamic Scrutineering, are race ready now and determined to defend our European Championship title tomorrow.
Passing Static Scrutineering
In Static Scrutineering our electrical and mechanical components were thoroughly examined. Also, we moved into our pit box to set up everything for the race.
Ready to Defend Our Title!
Today, we arrived at Circuit Zolder to participate in the iLumen European Solar Challenge 2024, taking place from September 21st to 22nd. We set up our camp and are excited for the challenges ahead!
SONNENWAGEN - Future Mobility
Our documentary "SONNENWAGEN – Future Mobility" premiered on August 27th. It offers an in-depth look at the development of Covestro Adelie and our participation in the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, highlighting the potential for a more sustainable future in mobility.
Regulation release 2025
The newly released regulations for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge come with some surprises, and we are excited to begin working on our next solar car.
Covestro Adelie back on track
Covestro Adelie has returned to Aachen, undergone full repairs, and is now back on the testing track, ready for further trials and improvements.
New Season, New Team
As we embark on a new season, our team is thrilled to welcome the new team management and the fresh faces who have joined us after the recruiting process. Together, we are excited to shape the future of solar racing over the next two years.
Day 5: We are out of the race!
Driving out of Port Augusta the traffic immediately increased but we could successfully pass several cars in the overtaking lane. Making things more complicated, the side winds started to pick up and the gusts increased. Then the unexpected happened.
Day 4: Heavy winds and human shields
As our race day started, we quickly passed Tokai in the rearview mirror, which was still preparing their start into the day. Our spy crew however mentioned that once we passed, they also pulled onto the road and were hot on our heels. Within just a few minutes, Tokai pulled into the passing lane and overtook us, costing them valuable energy.
Day 3: Pushing through clouds and headwinds
Having woken up early and proceeded as usual, we hit the road at 08:08 am, starting the third day of the race. Running smoothly, we didn’t run in to problems whatsoever until two roadtrains approached us.
Day 2: Racing according to our strategy
The morning of the second race day started at 5:30 am. Covestro Adelie was rolled into a sunny spot, to charge the battery by tilting our solar panel. Meanwhile, the team ate breakfast and dismantled our camp.
Day 1: Starting in pole position!
Today was the start of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2023. For us, the day started very early at around 5:30 am at our accommodation in Darwin.
Race Ready!
Our driver Jan drove a fascinating lap in 1:56 minutes, which gives us the pole position for the start of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2023 tomorrow morning!
Trip up to Darwin
After Adelie had covered her first kilometers on the Stuart Highway, racing simulations were now on the agenda. In addition to testing Covestro Adelie, the aim was to train the entire racing process around Covestro Adelie.
First kilometers Down Under
Our first crew landed in Australia three weeks ago with Covestro Adelie. Once the jet lag had been overcome and we had organized rental cars, food, and on-site plans for the next month, most of the team set off for Coober Pedy.
Upgrade Covestro Adelie: Mechanical system and solar cells
A solar car without a mechanical system and solar cells looks nice but doesn't drive, especially not on solar power. That's why we installed the last technical components in Covestro Adelie in the last weeks.
Hello, Covestro Adelie!
Last week we unveiled Covestro Adelie, our latest Sonnenwagen, to an amazing audience at the Eurogress in Aachen.
The final touch
After a long period of "preparatory work" over the last few months, the production of the actual components for the Sonnenwagen 4 is now ongoing.