Midnight Sun VIII Solar Race Car on Display at the Canada Science and Technology Museum

Midnight Sun VIII Solar Race Car on Display at the Canada Science and Technology Museum

This solar-powered race car was built by students at the University of Waterloo. It placed fifth at the 2005 American Solar Challenge, the best Canadian performance at that race.

The Midnight Sun VIII uses its 8 m2 array of solar panels to capture the Sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. The electricity powers the engine directly, or is stored in a series of batteries. With its aerodynamic shape and light weight, the vehicle can reach a top speed of 110 km/h. Fully charged, the vehicle can run for 1.5 hours in dark or cloudy conditions.

It will be on display in the ‘Just Around the Corner’ section of the Museum’s exhibition, In Search of the Canadian Car, presented by Toyota Canada. The Midnight Sun VIII is on loan from the University of Waterloo.

Media Contacts

Kelly Ray
Canada Science and Technology Museum
613-949-5732
kray@technomuses.ca