2025 - 2026 Goals & Metrics
Restructure for second request:
Since we are mid design cycle, some of these “goals” have been filled with our already planned-out design for FSGP 2026. Many larger system design parameters have already been set and are not subject to change.
Compete at ASC 2026? No. We will not be attending ASC even if we do qualify due to the logistical and financial challenge it poses.
Overall place/score? Our goal is to get enough laps to qualify for the American Solar Challenge (200 miles if achieved in one day, or 300 miles if achieved in two consecutive days). In terms of placement, we aim to be top 5.
Design place/score? There is no design challenge for the Solar Car. We aim to pass scrutineering with green within the first three days that are allocated for scrutineering.
Miles/hours of testing prior to departure for race? 20 laps (~60 miles) worth of driving. This is about the average amount of laps that teams were able to complete in FSGP 2025.
Array power? Our upper bound array power at MPP (maximum power point) will be 3.78W per cell * 368 cells = 1390 W. This is after the listed “cell efficiency” of 24.4%; meaning that this is the ideal amount we get with maximum direct sunlight on every cell.
Power/weight ratio?
Array power-to-vehicle mass ratio. Here’s a breakdown of our (projected) vehicle weight:
Total Weight: 263kg
Driver: 70.0kg
Front ballast: 10.0kg
Rear ballast: 2.50kg
Seats: 5.00kg
Pedal box: 2.25kg
Battery: 20.5kg
Frame: 60.0kg
Aeroshell: 45.7kg
Dynamics: 38.2kg
Electrical/Enclosures: 9.10kg
An array power of 1390 Watts gives us a array power-to-vehicle-mass ratio of 5.29 W/kg at max power.Efficiency? This is under the assumption that all power generated goes array → battery → motor controller → motor and discards negligible losses on the 12V bus.
Our MPPT efficiency is, at best, 94.4%
Based on direct current resistance per battery cell (Molicel P50B) of 11mOhms at 45degC → 4.88mOhms per segment → 39mOhms total. At 40A average draw, voltage drop is 1.56V. (120V - 1.56V)/120V = 98.5% electrically efficient at 45degC.
The motor controller is 94% efficient at minimum, provided from the datasheet.
The Mitsuba motor is 95% efficient anywhere from 10-30A. Past that, we do not get data from manufacturer and need to make headway on our dyno project for a high-efficiency, low speed motor.
Total efficiency (power-in) = 94.4% * 98.5% * 94% * 95% = 73.6%
This turns our 1390 Watts into 1023 W of usable “motor energy” (discounting more negligible losses, assuming optimal conditions).
Total system efficiency = 1023 W / 1390 W = 0.736 = 73.6% AT MAX. This does not take into account losses from drag and rolling resistance, which I would
Battery storage density? With Molicel P50Bs, our new battery design’s capacity is 5.184kWh. 5.184kWh / 20.45kg = 253.5 Wh/kg
extra calcs that weren’t necessary:
Tractive force = Torque / wheel-radius = Drag + Rolling Resistance + Force opposing travel (e.g. going up a hill). For this experiment we will assume only drag and rolling resistance affect travel.
Tractive force = (0.5)(air density)(v^2)(Cd)(A) + (rolling resistance coefficient)(normal force) = (0.5)(1.23 kg/m^3)(v^2)(0.185)(1.07 m^2) + (0.005)(2580 N) = (0.121v^2 + 12.9) N
Power out = Tractive force * speed = (0.121v^2 + 12.9) * v = (0.121v^3 + 12.9v) W
Operational:
Recruit at least 2 members per system
Maintain a team size of ~70 active members – active meaning missing no more than three workdays per semester, and also putting in their fair share of work
Break even on planned budget; at the very least, do not go over budget
Bring in at least 25% of our planned budget through partnerships and donations
Keep facilities clean and safe as according to all EHS guidelines
Pass two EHS inspections per semester
Competitive:
Submit competition technical documents prior to due date
Pass scrutineering with flying colors (all green) within the first three days of the competition
Get on the track on the first day of the race
Get in more than 18 laps (6 laps per day)
This seems like a reasonable goal given the previous year’s competition results
Engineering:
Full benchtop electrical integration by end of February
This includes every system: Vehicle Controls + Telemetry, Power Systems, and Array
Wheels down (rolling chassis) by the end of February
Powered run (full car integration) by the end of March
20 laps worth of driving before the competition
Array + Custom MPPT efficiency of >= 0.226 (this is a longer-term project)
We currently have a split of C60 (about 70% of the array) with 22.5% efficiency and E60 (about 30% of the array) with 23.7% efficiency.
Current array efficiency is 0.7 * 0.225 + 0.3 * 0.237 = 0.229
Current off-the-shelf MPPT efficiency is 0.994
Weight of < 700 lbs
Current car is ~900 lbs
Frame weight reduction of 30%
Drag area less than current drag area (yet to be measured)
Rolling resistance less than current rolling resistance (yet to be measured)
Avg. HV power draw of < 2709.163776 Watts
Top speed of at least 50 mph
Successful regen braking implementation
Vehicle weight within 15 lbs of the theoretical CAD weight
Have <10-second egress
Have a formal part inspection procedure post-manufacturing to catch mistakes and ensure critical features are within spec
Maintain data cleanliness and enforce strict file naming convention, file organization structure, engineering drawing format, and archival of outdated information
Team:
Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where every team member can thrive.
Value fairness for all, while recognizing and rewarding consistent commitment and effort.
Instill within our members a rigorous understanding of the engineering design process from design, to analysis, to manufacturing, to integration, to testing
Build our members into knowledgeable engineers with successful career outcomes during and after college
Support at least 2 research projects spawned from member interest that have the potential for growth and learning (examples that come to mind are a composite frame, custom MPPT, water cooling system on battery, etc.)