News

Sun-powered car drives towards tomorrow's world today

(12 July 2004)

A solar-powered car that will take part in a 3000km race in Australia next year is touring secondary schools up and down the country to inspire young people about science and engineering.

The Durham University Solar-Powered Car (DUSC), which can reach speeds of up to 60mph, has been designed by undergraduate students at the University's School of Engineering.

The DUSC has completed the first week of its fortnight's national tour.

The DUSC car and touring team have already visited schools in Alnwick (Northumberland), Stanley (County Durham), Leeds and Sheffield. Next week's venues are in Derby, Warwick, Bristol, Taunton, Plymouth and Redruth.

The project's champion, aerodynamics expert Dr David Sims-Williams, says the technology developed to create DUSC will one day be applied to the cars we all drive.

"The future, as far as cars are concerned, is electric. The car of the future may not carry its solar panels around with it like ours, but solar energy could be used to power its batteries," he says.

"Our tour of schools will show young people that engineering is fun, exciting, relevant and challenging. Using DUSC is an ideal way to promote science and engineering because everyone relates to cars and the environment. It highlights a really positive output from science and engineering research which can impact on people's everyday lives."

DUSC has been sponsored by the Government-funded Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and battery manufacturers C&D Technologies.

Note to editors:

You are welcome to send a reporter, photographer, cameraman to cover the visit of DUSC and give it a test drive. Reporters wishing to give the car a try are advised to wear practical clothing.

Dr Sims-Williams will be available for interview at all the venues. He will be accompanied by 3rd year engineering undergraduate Huw Blackwell and technician Paul Hogarth.



Engineering is one Durham University's largest science courses with 465 undergraduates, 70 of whom are women - twice as many as five years ago. Issued on behalf of Durham University's School of Engineering by Richard Simpson Associates.

Contact Richard Simpson on T:01207 272162, M:07821 537106, E:RSimpsonAssoc@aol.com or Tom Fennelly, Durham University Public Relations Officer on 0191 3346078 for further information.

Durham University Solar Powered Car (DUSC)

Itinerary

Monday 12 July (time tbc) Myton School, Warwick (CV34 6PJ)

Tuesday 13 July 9.30am John Cabot CTC, Bristol

Wednesday 14 July 1.15pm Bishop Fox's Community School, Taunton (TA1 3HQ)

Thursday 15 July 1.05pm Plymstock School, Plymouth (PL9 9AZ)

Friday 16 July 12.45pm Redruth School, Redruth (TR15 1TA)

Please note that the car will be available to the media for a limited period from the times stated. If these times are not convenient, it may be possible to arrange an alternative.