Western Sydney University's solar car team is geared up and ready to roll as the student led team prepares to chase the sun – and the win – in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge this weekend.
Travelling highway speeds through the Australian outback from Darwin to Adelaide powered by the same amount of energy that a home kettle uses, Western's solar car 'UNLIMITED 6.0' will be put to the ultimate test against 36 other teams from around the world.
For veteran team member Micah Honan, Electrical Lead for UNLIMITED 6.0, this year will be her second time competing in the world's premier solar car event with the Western Sydney Solar Team.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) student first joined the team in mid-2022 after seeing posters around campus which led her to taking part in the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge for the first time.
"This year, I'm excited about meeting others who are just as passionate about what they do. There are many solutions for a complicated problem, and everyone solves it a bit differently," said Micah.
"I love learning how and why something works, or how and why it doesn't. Engineering is not just a field of study, but a mindset."
As the electrical lead for UNLIMITED 6.0, Micah was instrumental in designing and modularising the electrical systems of the solar car without compromising efficiency.
Supporting her fellow teammates, Micah's electrical expertise and leadership skills helped the team successfully address unique design challenges posed by this year's event being held in winter for the first time, ensuring it can run efficiently with reduced sunlight.
"I am proud that our team collectively directs their own way forward. The solar car project is better seen as a gateway for people that enjoy what they do; it helps you find and connect with the people that are just as passionate," she said.
Meanwhile, Aaron Sharman, Mechanical Lead for UNLMITED 6.0, is also a team veteran having first joined in 2021. Like Micah, this year is also Aaron's second time competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge with the Western Sydney Solar Team.
As a Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) student, Aaron is the driving force responsible for the mechanical sector of the team, helping prioritise systems and parts, and assisting with integration.
Drawing on his experience and leadership, Aaron developed a timeline and plan that kept the team on track to deliver a world-class competition vehicle.
"I am most proud of the skills our team has developed and the amazing work we have all accomplished together in such a compressed timeline. I'm very proud of the quality the team has been able to reach for UNLIMITED 6.0," Aaron said.
"The best thing about studying at Western is that you are surrounded by a lot of people who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. All my friends, all my team members, they are all happy to chip in, they are always available."
"It's this really great community of people that aren't afraid to put in immense hours and work towards something that we are all incredibly passionate about."
While Aaron and Micah are experienced competitors, this year's Bridgestone World Solar Challenge has introduced new elements to the event such as increasing the solar capacity of each solar car from four square metres to six, and moving the event to wintery August instead of October.
Aaron says that while these engineering challenges can change the dynamics of the event, the experience has been highly rewarding and a positive opportunity to be innovative and solve real-world design challenges, while preparing him for future employment.
"This year's challenge has been very good for personal development and growth. It's been fantastic to work in a team of likeminded individuals all striving towards the same goal," he said.
"In my field of study, I am most passionate about how fast an idea can be turned into a working prototype using 3D printing. I am most excited to push our solar car to its full potential and see how it compares with our world class competition."
"Being involved in the solar car team has been excellent for industry connections, we have constant contact and interaction with our industry leading sponsors and partners, with the majority of team members going on to have very promising job opportunities after the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge."
Western Sydney University's next generation solar car, UNLIMITED 6.0, was unveiled at a special event at the University's Kingswood campus in July to invited guests, supporters and sponsors.
The team wishes to acknowledge the support from its major sponsors for 2025, including Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, Phoenix Contact, Revolution, Bridgestone, and the Sydney Motor Sport Park powered by the Australian Racing Drivers' Club.
2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge begins in Darwin this Sunday 24 August, with the team expected to cross the finish line in Adelaide on Friday 29 August.
