Accelerating faster

Nuna 11 features a new motor controller that regulates the current flowing through the motor. This enhancement allows Nuna 11 to accelerate more quickly, climb hills better, and navigate city traffic effectively.

Asymmetrical

Nuna 11's wheel configuration is asymmetrical, with two wheels on the right and one on the left. This arrangement posed challenges for steering Nuna 11 accurately. The team practiced using a modified go-kart called 'Barry.' This ensured that the system worked correctly before being implemented in the actual solar car.

Airplane wings

Nuna 11's aerodynamic shape consists of three airplane wing profiles placed side by side. Unlike an airplane, upward lift isn't desirable in solar races, as it would lift the car off the road. To counter this, the solar panel is tilted a few degrees, and the wing shape is adjusted, making Nuna 11 particularly stable in crosswinds.

Nuna Phoenix

Nuna 11S

Nuna 11

Nuna 11 is a unique solar car: it's the first asymmetrical catamaran in history, with two wheels on the right and one on the left. This presented new challenges, primarily in terms of steering and stability. By tilting the panel at a slight angle, the team managed to stabilize the car against crosswinds. And at this angle, the panel would capture more sunlight in Australia.

The solar car was designed for the well-known race in Australia, but unfortunately, it was canceled due to Covid-19. Despite this, the team, along with other European solar teams, organized their own race: the Moroccan Solar Challenge. This race covers approximately 2500 kilometers through the Sahara, consisting of five stages, starting and ending in the port city of Agadir.

It was a challenging race. Nuna 11 often had to brake for camels or goats crossing the road, dodge sand dunes of Sahara sand on the road, or rev up the engine to conquer steep mountain passes. A sandstorm at night brought the camp down, forcing team members to sleep in support vehicles, and a severe bout of stomach flu affected over half the team's ability to participate in the final stage. Many teams didn't reach the finish line, as all the solar cars were designed for the Australian outback, not the rugged mountain passes and busy traffic of Morocco. Nonetheless, the team finished impressively in third place.