Stronger and safer
Nuna 10S's roll cage, where the driver sits, is made of metal instead of carbon fibers. This design is safer; if the material is stressed, metal bends, whereas carbon fibers shatter into thousands of pieces, similar to glass breaking on the ground. Metal is thus safer in the event of a rollover accident.
Automatic shut-off
Nuna 10S features an active battery protection system that automatically shuts off the car's electrical systems when abnormal values are detected. Initially, Nuna 10S also shut down when there were no real faults, but the team eventually fine-tuned it to enhance safety.
Assymmetric steering
To meet the race regulations, Nuna 10S had to navigate a unique course. To achieve this, the team developed an asymmetrical steering system, with the right front wheel steering more than the left front wheel. This was necessary due to less space on the left side where the driver is seated.
The Nuna 10S team sought a new challenge. For the first time, they would participate in the American Solar Challenge: a race of about 3000 kilometers through the Rocky Mountains from Missouri to Idaho. The stricter rules led to numerous innovations, such as an asymmetrical steering system and a new motor suitable for the American landscape.
Instead of building on Nuna 10, which was no longer possible due to the catastrophic fire, the team improved Nuna 9S. They named their solar car 'Phoenix,' derived from the mythical bird, which is also depicted on the car's side. Their slogan 'Rise from the Ashes' alludes to the fatal setback and showcases their perseverance and resilience.
Unfortunately, the race was canceled due to Covid-19. Nevertheless, the team pushed boundaries and broke the Nuna 8 world record. They achieved this by covering 924 kilometers in twelve hours, powered solely by the Dutch sun. Nuna 10S also raced against Paralympic cycling champion Daniel Gebru on the Maasvlakte. It was an intense race, with Nuna overtaking the cyclist just a hundred meters before the finish line, securing victory.
Statistics
924 km in 12 h
77 km/h
130 km/h
3.3m x 1.5m x 1.0m
135kg
2.64 m2 Gallium Arsenide
2.64m2 GaAs
Impressions
