JU Solar Team shines in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

JU Solar Team has once again shown what innovation and teamwork can achieve. Their solar car Nova Lumina competed in the world-renowned Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a grueling 3,000 km race across the Australian outback. The team of students from Jönköping University crossed the finish line in Adelaide just before 3:00 PM local time on August 27 with a strong average speed of 78.6 km/h and a total time of 38 hours and 45 minutes. It was the fastest time recorded by the team over the years, and it landed them an impressive 8:th place in the race!

Matilda Svensson Duric, Team Manager for JU Solar Team, said it felt incredible to cross the finish line. “I’m confident that everyone gave their best with what we had. Even though we hoped for a better placement, the teams were generally faster this year, and we finished a whole day earlier than before, which is an incredible achievement. I am very proud of us all!”

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is not just a race. It tests engineering, strategy, and endurance. Solar-powered cars face extreme conditions, from scorching heat to long, remote stretches of road, all while maintaining speed and efficiency. While the solar car is the star of the show, the JU Solar Team is supported by five vehicles that lead the route, scout the best camping spots, manage race strategy, handle control stops, and capture media along the way.

Solar car Nova Lumina crossing the startline in Darwin during the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

Driver Nils Persson sitting in the solar car Nova Lumia in a garage

One of the drivers, Nils Persson, reflects on steering Nova Lumina across Australia: “Racing in the competition was a special feeling with everyone cheering for us. Since it’s not an ordinary car, driving the solar car 3,000 kilometers is unique in many ways, but we managed it, and it feels really good to have crossed the finish line."

Finishing 8th in a field of the world’s best solar racing teams is a great achievement. Being the best Swedish team adds an extra layer of pride, proving that the innovation and determination at Jönköping University can compete on a global stage.

Lovisa Fransson, Talent & Development partner at Axelent, has enjoyed the partnership with the student team: “I’m truly impressed by the JU Solar Team and their journey. That they, despite their ongoing studies, have managed to run such an extensive project with both energy and always a smile on their faces is fantastic to see. It’s always a pleasure to meet the team members, no matter the context. They spread joy, enthusiasm, and demonstrate incredible professionalism.

At Axelent, it feels both important and inspiring to support young people who are driving knowledge and innovation forward. It's also especially rewarding that we at Axelent can contribute our experience and expertise to the project. We are incredibly proud of their great achievement in the race and want to extend a big congratulations and wish them the best of luck in the future.”