The 2024 European Vice-Champion is ready for the next challenge: in front of 800 guests, Team Sonnenwagen unveiled their new solar race car, “Æthon,” in their hometown of Aachen. The goal: victory in the world’s toughest solar race—the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from August 24-31 in Australia. 3,000 kilometers across the Outback—powered solely by the sun.
“What the students from Team Sonnenwagen have achieved here, alongside their regular studies and exams, is really impressive. The collaboration between our experts and the students has been and continues to be a great inspiration. Together with all the other strong partners, we’re demonstrating what tomorrow’s mobility can look like. We’re proud that we can contribute innovative materials and know-how to help shape a more sustainable future.”
– Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer at Covestro.
“Æthon” is the result of twelve months of intensive development. Over 40 students from RWTH and FH Aachen designed, tested, and built the vehicle alongside their studies—supported by Covestro as main sponsor and technology partner. The Leverkusen-based materials manufacturer contributes more expertise than ever: More than ten different Covestro materials have been incorporated into the vehicle—a record in the project’s history. The solar car thus provides the company with the additional opportunity to test materials for series vehicle production under extreme conditions.
“We are very proud of Æthon. The entire team has put their heart and soul into this project. The same goes for our partners, especially Covestro, who have been involved in the project for so long. Without this expertise and support, there would be no Sonnenwagen, and we wouldn’t have been as successful as we’ve been. This year, we want to repay everyone involved with a victory in Australia. We’re looking forward to it!”
– Leonie Brandt, Chair of Team Sonnenwagen.
Material Solutions for Future Mobility
Like its predecessors, the new Sonnenwagen relies on sustainable and innovative materials. The highlights: chemically recycled foam in the driver’s seat—proving that comfort and circular economy can go hand in hand. Chemically recycled Vulkollan, an extremely durable elastomer, is also used. It dampens impacts between the battery and the body, contributing to the structure’s longevity. Covestro materials are also used in the battery cell holders, aerodynamic outer shell, interior trim, headlights, and turn signals, as well as in the coating.
New Rules, New Challenges—New Opportunities
Such high-tech materials are more important than ever this year, as new rules apply at the World Solar Challenge: The allowed battery capacity has been halved, and the development time shortened by two months. At the same time, cars are allowed to be longer—an opportunity Team Sonnenwagen consistently utilizes with “Æthon.” At 5.80 meters, it’s longer and features six square meters of solar cells—a full two square meters more than its predecessor, “Covestro Adelie.” Additionally, the racing calendar brings a new challenge: this year, the race takes place at the end of the Australian winter – and thus earlier than usual. For the team, this meant less time for development and testing.
The official unveiling of Æthon marks the beginning of the intensive testing phase. In July, Team Sonnenwagen will depart from Aachen to Australia to compete against over 50 teams from 24 countries—including numerous leading international universities. Covestro continues to support the project on its journey—with the shared goal of advancing sustainable mobility and bringing the world championship title to Aachen with the power of the sun.
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