Curtain up for the next-generation Sonnenwagen: The Covestro Sonnenwagen

Last Monday, July 22, 2019, the time had finally come: the "Covestro Sonnenwagen" was finally unveiled to the public after months of sweaty work in the workshop and discussions into the wee hours of the morning in the office. The ceremonial unveiling of the "Covestro Sonnenwagen" on Monday was also attended by North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Armin Laschet, who addressed motivational words to the team and guests in the evening in the auditorium of RWTH Aachen University.

In the sold-out auditorium in the main building of RWTH Aachen University, we celebrated with a total of 600 guests, including the mayor of Aachen, Hilde Scheidt, the rectors of the University of Applied Sciences and RWTH Aachen University, Prof. Dr. Baumann and Prof. Dr. Rüdiger, the CEO of our main sponsor Covestro, Dr. Steilemann, and of course our many other supporters, partners and sponsors.

We would like to thank everyone with whom we were able to celebrate this special moment!

Unveiling ceremony with our Prime Minister

"The solar race car is another e-mobility product 'made in North Rhine-Westphalia' and at the same time an impressive proof of the strength of our science and business location. The fact that the 'Sonnenwagen Aachen' team is the only team from Germany to compete with the best in the world in the zero-emission race across Australia shows the inventive spirit of North Rhine-Westphalia. We need this on the road to the mobility revolution and for our goal of becoming a pioneer in electromobility," said Minister President Laschet at the presentation of our new racing car.

Materials for the mobility of the future

In terms of a sustainable future, however, it is not just a matter of having a vision, but also of keeping an eye on the process and production of the vision. In this context, innovative materials and materials that make precisely that realization of the vision possible are particularly crucial.

"The Sonnenwagen is an excellent example of the potential of innovative and sustainable materials for the mobility of the future. On the way there, openness to technology is crucial, especially with regard to drive models," added Dr. Markus Steilemann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Covestro. "What's really great is how young people here in Aachen are shaping things constructively and not seeing the future in black," he added.

A milestone for Aachen as a center of science and innovation

In cooperation with the two Aachen universities, the Fh and RWTH Aachen, we were once again able to set an example of the courage of a pioneering spirit. We are very proud to be able to build on the support of these excellent universities and look forward to what the future holds for the Euregio.

Professor Rüdiger said: "RWTH is proud of the know-how and passion with which our students are involved in this highly exciting project. They are gaining fantastic experience and demonstrating the innovative power that lies within our university."

FH Rector Baumann emphasized, "I am extremely pleased with this team effort, within which students from a wide range of departments at the university, but also in a team from Aachen, are working together with RWTH to bring a wealth of sustainable and resource-saving innovative ideas to the road as well."

Driving the "Covestro Sonnenwagen" through the Australian outback at the speed of an arrow

Compared to our first participation in the World Solar Challenge in 2017, we have made the new Sonnenwagen even lighter, even more aerodynamic and much more efficient. With its 890 space solar cells, the "Covestro Sonnenwagen" generates an optimum output of one kilowatt. The energy generated can then be temporarily stored in the 5 kWh battery before the Sonnenwagen then races through the desert for up to 500 km.

The self-developed wheel hub motor has an overall efficiency of approximately 95% and can thus accelerate the solar racing car to a speed of 140 km/h.

The "Covestro Sonnenwagen" will return to the starting line of the World Solar Challenge in mid-October. With plenty of self-confidence and third place in the European Solar Challenge 2018, we want to outrun the competing teams from all over the world.

Further information on the new Sonnenwagen can be found here: https://www.sonnenwagen.org/covestro-sonnenwagen