Solar car aims at passenger vehicle market

A Queensland company is claiming line honours in the developmental race for the world’s first commercially available solar-powered car.

The Arrow STF (Sports Touring Framework), a two-seater ‘Cruiser Class’ solar sports coupe with a 150km/h top speed which can travel 1000km before recharging, was officially launched today by innovation, science and digital economy minister Leeanne Enoch.

The car, designed and built in Brisbane by Clenergy TeamArrow, is described by Enoch as a “game changer” for the passenger vehicle market, with potential to boost the state’s economy through new products, services and jobs.

“More than that, this innovation has the potential to reduce the $4.2 billion spent each year by Queensland households on petrol by as much as 90% in the foreseeable future,” Enoch says.

She says Team Arrow promised in September last year to have a prototype vehicle in time for the 2017 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

The solar vehicle unveiled today is the racing version of the Arrow STF which will shortly leave for the Northern Territory to compete in the 3000km endurance challenge from Darwin to Adelaide, starting October 8.

“A customisable version is available to the general public and I understand that orders are already rolling in,” Enoch says.

Clenergy TeamArrow founder Cameron Tuesley says its energy management system includes a highly efficient solar array that generates 1.1kW total power.

“The car is capable of self-charging from sunlight, as well as from the electricity grid.

“The version you’re seeing today features a pared-back, race-configured cockpit suitable for long-range events like the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

“For individual buyers, we will build customised versions which have all the features you would expect in a luxury sports car, including air conditioning and infotainment.”

Sales of electric vehicles are tipped to increase to almost 50% of all new car purchases by 2040.

“It’s true that not everybody is going to be able to rush out and buy a vehicle like this at today’s prices, but we can expect to see the purchase price of electric vehicles to become parity with fossil fuel vehicles in the next five to six years,” Enoch says.

“Our Electric Super Highway – which features a string of fast-charging electric vehicle stations from the Queensland/New South Wales border to communities in the state’s far north – coupled with solar energy, is just one way our government is ensuring the future travel needs of Queenslanders will be satisfied, and suited to a cleaner, greener tomorrow.”