Students from Bucharest have built a solar-powered car and are aiming to compete in a 3,000-kilometre race in Australia

A team of approximately 40 students from the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest has built a solar-powered car from scratch and tested it in an international competition held in Belgium. The vehicle, named “Lumi,” could take part in a race of approximately 3,000 kilometres in Australia in 2027.

The UPB Drive Solar project began in 2025, and the car was completed in less than a year. The students developed the tubular chassis, carbon-fibre bodywork, electric propulsion system, photovoltaic panels and the battery needed to drive at night or in conditions without sunlight.

At the iLumen European Solar Challenge, held at the Zolder circuit, “Lumi” passed the technical checks and completed 50 laps, equivalent to approximately 200 kilometres. The test took place as part of a 24-hour endurance race, including in rain and darkness, alongside 26 international teams.

The next objective is the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2027, scheduled for 22–29 August. Participants will have to cross Australia, from Darwin to Adelaide, using vehicles designed for minimum energy consumption. The distance is approximately 15 times greater than that covered by the Romanian team in Belgium.