Review BWSC 2025 - How do you feel when looking back on this year's race?

Finishing in 5th place left us with a sense of frustration, as we had aimed for the championship. Competing against the top teams made us realize the strengths of their cars and highlighted our own challenges and areas for improvement. This year, the race was held earlier than usual, which shortened our development period and overlapped with the academic term, making it difficult to prepare as we normally would. Despite these constraints, every team member fulfilled their role and gave their best within the limited time available.

What are the unique characteristics of your team?

Our team consists of students from Tokai University, including not only engineering majors but also students from liberal arts faculties such asbusiness administration and tourism faculties. We have a long history of competing in the World Solar Challenge and achieved consecutive victories in 2009 and 2011.

What are the key features of your car for BWSC 2025?
Also, please share the biggest challenge you faced during the development process and how you overcame it.

Compared to the previous race,vehicle became larger because of the new regulations. Despite this, we successfully optimized the solar panel area while achieving an aerodynamic design that pushes performance to the limit.
The biggest challenge was balancing aerodynamic efficiency with power generation. There were constant debates between the aerodynamics team, focused on reducing drag, and the electrical team, aiming to maximize energy output. We overcame this by using simulations to find a compromise that satisfied both requirements.

How important are tires for a solar car? And what do you think about BS ENLITEN tyre?
Is there any tyre performance you would expect for 2027?

Tires are extremely important—not only for cornering but also for maintaining stability in Australia’s strong crosswinds. For solar cars, energy efficiency is critical, and Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tires with low rolling resistance are indispensable for BWSC. Durability is also key to minimizing losses from punctures. This year’s tires performed excellently, and we hope to see continued improvements in low rolling resistance and high durability for the 2027 race.

Bridgestone is promoting sustainability across the entire value chain—from raw material procurement to product use and recycling.
What kind of initiatives does your team take to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability in vehicle development and team operations?

From the design stage, we aim to minimize material usage, embodying the concept of “reduce” at the design philosophy level. We also reuse parts from previous race vehicles and incorporated recycled carbon fiber in our 2023 model.

BWSC is a symbolic race that embodies sustainable motorsports.
How do you think your experience and challenges in BWSC will contribute to the future of mobility?

We believe BWSC serves as a platform to test and share innovative energy technologies and development approaches for achieving a carbon-neutral mobility society. It is a symbolic race that fosters sustainable technologies and talent. Competing globally allows young engineers to enhance their skills, and these experiences will be invaluable when they contribute to future mobility development as professionals.

Please share your goals and aspirations for BWSC 2027.

Our goal is to “return to the group competing for the world championship and lead the pack.” To overcome the challenges we faced in BWSC 2025, we will pursue innovative vehicle development that breaks away from past design philosophies and conventional thinking.

Message to the future teammates aspiring to compete BWSC 2027

Chasing the dream of “driving 3,000 km powered only by the sun,” you are our comrades—and our greatest rivals. We deeply respect your innovative machines and the passion behind your challenges. But we have no intention of losing. We will bring together the best of our technology and teamwork to take on this race. Let’s push each other to the limit and showcase the potential of clean energy to the world. We look forward to celebrating each other’s efforts at the finish line in Adelaide!