Metalia is a proud partner of the solar car project of the Polytechnic University for the second year in a row.

 

A successful unveiling

 

On April 23rd, the grand unveiling of Esteban 9 took place. The 120 or so people who attended the unveiling were representatives of Polytechnique, sponsors, former members of Esteban, current members of Esteban 9 and their loved ones, and even rivals and friends of Eclipse, the solar car of the École de technologie supérieure. Complemented with speeches preceding the grand reveal, which were broadcast by a Facebook Live, the event was of the networking type.

 

 

Smaller and more aerodynamic

 

Due to the stricter competition regulations, the eligible solar panel area has decrease from 8 m² for the first Esteban to 6 m² from Esteban 5, and finally to 4 m² for Esteban 9. The electricity contribution has been cut in half. But that did not stop the group of students, who completely redesigned the external shape of the vehicule to optimize its aerodynamics. Due to the shape of the wheel fairing and the position of the pilot, Esteban 9 is said to be of the "catamaran" type.

 

 

This summer’s competition : American Solar Challenge 2018

 

Next July, Esteban 9 will compete in his first competition, the American Solar Challenge (ASC) 2018. It will take place from July 14 to 22, and will cover the 3000 kilometers separating Omaha in Nebraska from Bend in Oregon. This mountainous route, represents a challenge. Indeed, it is much less energy consuming to move on a flat and linear road. The strategy will be particularly important in order to optimize the consumption of electricity provided by the solar panels.

 

Follow Esteban's performances on the official website of the project here!

 

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