The American Solar Challenge (ASC) is a competition to design, build, and drive solar-powered vehicles in a cross-country distance/time road rally event. Collegiate teams compete over a 1,500-2,000 mile route broken into a series of stages. Teams can enter either Single-Occupant Vehicle (SOV) class or the Multi-Occupant Vehicle (MOV) class. SOV entries are judged based on the amount of distance covered on solar power, including both the base route and optional challenge loops. MOV entries have a more complex scoring formula that includes credit for covering distance with passengers as well as the scoring of practicality features of the solar vehicle. All vehicles must meet a detailed set of regulations, pass a series of inspections, and demonstrate roadworthiness in a track qualifier (also known as the Formula Sun Grand Prix) in order to qualify for the American Solar Challenge.
Dates: July 20-27, 2024
Location: Nashville, TN to Casper, WY
This year's route will allow solar car teams to "see America by National Historic Trail" incorporating portions of the Trail of Tears NHT, Lewis & Clark NHT, Santa Fe NHT, Pony Express NHT, Mormon NHT, California NHT, Oregon NHT, and Route 66.
Competition Process
Collegiate student teams design, build, and then race vehicles powered by the sun. Teams register for the event and complete a series of pre-event reports and other submissions. Upon arrival at the event, all teams and their solar vehicles go through a scrutineering process – a series of inspections of mechanical systems, electrical systems, dynamic testing, etc. Upon passing scrutineering, teams are allowed to compete in the Formula Sun Grand Prix, a 3-day track event that also serves as the qualifier for the American Solar Challenge. Solar vehicles that qualify can then participate in the American Solar Challenge. To win, teams need to successfully build a solar powered vehicle that meets the regulations, is energy efficient, and is reliable. Top teams tend to build several months of testing into their project management schedule ahead of the competition, which allows them to further develop their energy management strategy and for their drivers and support team members to gain valuable experience. During the event, teams will make decisions based on weather and energy management strategies to drive as many miles as possible, completing the base route as well as optional challenge loops.Judging Criteria
All teams that wish to enter a solar car in the American Solar Challenge (ASC) must ensure that car complies with all event regulations. Before any solar car is allowed to race, it must first pass a series of rigorous technical inspections called Scrutineering. See the competition's website for full regulations. Entries may compete in either Single-Occupant Vehicle (SOV) the Multi-Occupant Vehicle (MOV) class. The primary objective for all teams is to successfully complete the base route of the event without trailering their solar cars. Performance is evaluated based on the number of miles traveled on solar power and the time to cover those miles. MOV teams are also evaluated on passenger-miles, achieving a targeted minimum average speed, and a practicality score.Participate
Website: http://americansolarchallenge.org/
Managing Organization: Innovators Educational Foundation
Eligibility:
The Event is open to institutions of higher education (university/college level). Teams from universities all around the world bring their cars to compete in these challenging events. The competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Event is open to institutions of higher education (university/college level). Teams from universities all around the world bring their cars to compete in these challenging events. The competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Registration Dates
April 11, 2024
12:01am PDT
Registration Opens
April 11, 2024
12:01am PDT