1990 Sunrunner Solar Car

01

Artifact Overview

Students from the University of Michigan built this solar-powered vehicle and won the General Motors Sunrayce -- a 1,640-mile race from Florida to Michigan -- in July 1990. As the top finisher, the Sunrunner earned a trip to Australia to compete in the 1990 World Solar Challenge where it finished in third place.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Solar car

Date Made

1990

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Welcome Center

Object ID

91.6.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of University of Michigan College of Engineering.

Material

Metal

Color

Black (Color)
Yellow (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 50 in
Width: 79 in
Length: 237 in
Wheelbase: 96 in

Specifications

Maker: Solar Car Team, University of Michigan College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Power: 14,057 solar cells, 1300-watt peak output
Motor: High-efficiency DC
Transmission: direct drive to left rear wheel
Height: 50 inches
Wheelbase: 96 inches
Width: 79 inches
Overall length: 237 inches
Weight: 520 pounds
Horsepower: 2
Pounds per horsepower: 260
1990 Sunrunner Solar Car