A solar car created by 120 ISU students will be making a stop in Atlantic this Saturday. Students from Iowa State University have been working hard, putting the finishing touches on the world’s first Solar Utility Vehicle. Named “Penumbra,” this solar-assisted electric vehicle has been made to change the paradigm of transportation.

During the month of June, members from PrISUm (the ISU student organization that manufactured the car) are traveling to all 99 counties in the state of Iowa to showcase the vehicle. The trip is called #SunRun99, and the car will be making a local stop in Cass County on Saturday afternoon at the Nishna Valley YMCA, in Atlantic.

Smeet Mistry, Team PrISUm’s tour contact, says “During this time, everyone is welcome to check out this vehicle and even go for a quick spin!” Mistry said also, that “Like most vehicles found in dealerships across the state, Penumbra contains four seats and features Bluetooth audio and wireless charging for cell phones.”

P14 PrISUM Solar car

Where the differences begin is how Penumbra is powered. Instead of having a gas or diesel tank, Penumbra receives its energy from the sun. As the vehicle drives across the state, the sun recharges the onboard batteries. Fully charged, Penumbra has a “best in class” 200-mile range. On a sunny day, a constant speed of 40 mph can be achieved without any energy from the batteries. Once Penumbra completes the #SunRun99 tour around Iowa, the vehicle will be flown to Australia to compete in the 2017 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

Local residents are encouraged to come out and learn more about the vehicle, team, and renewable energy as the car makes a local stop at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA in Atlantic on Saturday afternoon, June 10, from 4-6 PM. In addition to the solar car, local event hosts Cass County ISU Extension will be on hand with snacks and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities for participants to enjoy. A few opportunities will also be available for attendees to “hitch a ride” and go for a short spin in the car- for a $50 donation per person. All proceeds will help offset transport costs to get the car to the competition in Australia.

Kate Olson, Cass County Extension Program Coordinator, said “Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is excited to partner with the #SunRun99 tour across Iowa. We hope to have a great turnout for this unique open house, and hope many local families will take advantage of this chance to see the PrISUm solar car before it heads to competition!”

For more information: https://www.prisum.org/