High school students race model cars powered by the sun
SMUD hosts 16th annual Solar Car Race at Cosumnes River College
High school students will gather at Cosumnes River College to race model solar-powered cars they’ve designed and built themselves for SMUD’s annual Solar Car Race. Teams will use the same solar panels, motors and gear sets, to build a unique car – but it’s up to the teams to be creative and innovative and build the fastest car possible.
Teams will compete for awards in several categories including race time, sustainability, innovation, creativity and more. The Sacramento Electric Vehicle Association (SacEV) will also attend the event and bring a variety of electric vehicles for students to view and explore. More information about the event is available at smud.org/solar-car-race.
Date/Time: |
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Races begin at approximately 10 a.m.) |
Location: |
Cosumnes River College (south quad) 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823 (Parking available in Parking Lot C) |
SMUD is committed to helping local educators bring STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering and math) to the classroom, especially as SMUD aims to decarbonize the region’s power supply by 2030. The Solar Car Race gives teachers an opportunity to demonstrate a real-world technology design process and brings students together in a fun, entertaining way. The Solar Car Race has become increasingly popular as STEM education has gained momentum locally and become a larger part of many schools’ curriculums.
The Solar Car Race is just one of several community events and programs that SMUD sponsors or organizes to support STEM education. A regional favorite, the California Solar Regatta at Rancho Seco Recreational Area, will be held on May 5 and 6. For more information about the Solar Regatta, visit smud.org/solar-regatta.