Students to race model cars powered by the sun

Students to race model cars powered by the sun

SMUD hosts 17^th annual Solar Car Race at Sacramento State University

Over 80 high school teams will race model solar-powered cars they've designed and built themselves for SMUD's annual Solar Car Race at Sacramento State Hornet Stadium. Teams will use 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. This year will mark the inaugural year that middle school students will compete. Over 30 teams will compete in this year's solar car race taking place at Consumnes River College on Monday, April 22 ahead of Wednesday's high school race.

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.

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 3 and 4. For more information about the Solar Regatta, visit smud.org/solar-regatta.