The Cannonball Run is a legendary race from New York to California that has been attempted by many over the years. However, in 2024, a team of four engineering students from Michigan took on the challenge in a unique way. Will Jones, Kyle Samluk, Brett Cesar, and Danny Ezzo built a solar-powered three-wheeled vehicle called the Sun Strider to attempt the cross-country journey. This vehicle, which looks like a combination of a paper plane and a tricycle, was unlike anything seen in the Cannonball Run before.
The team set off from the Red Ball Garage in New York City, aiming to reach the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach. Unlike traditional Cannonball Run attempts that focus on speed, the Cannonball Sun team aimed to complete the 3000-mile journey in a ground-up construction vehicle with no charging stations or major breakdowns. Their goal was to showcase the potential of solar power in long-distance travel and set a new record for solar-powered vehicles.
The Sun Strider, registered as a motorcycle in Michigan, featured a frame made of square steel tubing, eight solar panels, and three bicycle wheels. Throughout the journey, the team faced challenges such as motor failures, a malfunctioning solar charge controller, and extreme temperatures inside the vehicle. Despite these obstacles, they managed to complete the run in 13 days, 15 hours, and 19 minutes, beating the previous solar attempt by a significant margin.
The team’s strategy involved charging the battery using solar panels during the day and conserving energy during cloudy weather. They were able to achieve an impressive efficiency of 24.3 watt-hours per mile, equivalent to over 1000 miles per gallon. This showcases the potential of solar energy as a sustainable and efficient power source for long-distance travel.
Looking ahead, the Cannonball Sun team hopes to inspire others to take up the challenge of building solar-powered vehicles and attempting similar cross-country journeys. They plan to turn the Cannonball Sun into an open competition, inviting others to beat their record and push the boundaries of solar technology in transportation. Whether it’s heading to Alaska or tackling the Pan American Highway, the team is eager to see how far solar power can take them in the future.
In conclusion, the Cannonball Sun team’s record-breaking journey demonstrates the possibilities of solar energy in long-distance travel and highlights the importance of sustainable transportation solutions. By pushing the boundaries of solar technology, they have paved the way for future innovations in the field of solar-powered vehicles. The Sun Strider’s unique design and successful completion of the Cannonball Run serve as a testament to the team’s ingenuity and determination in the face of challenges.