About Us
Who We Are
We are the UCI Solar Car Project (ZotSun), a student-run interdisciplinary team of 60 undergraduates from the University of California, Irvine with a passion for innovative engineering and sustainability. Our mission is to revolutionize zero-emission transportation. Currently, we are building a solar car to compete in the Formula Sun Grand Prix of 2025, a race designed to determine the most efficient and aerodynamic solar-powered vehicles.
Our Values
Sustainability
In building our solar car, we aim to do more than just race—we strive to lead in the development of innovative, sustainable technology. As part of UC Irvine, ranked a Top 5 “Cool School” by Sierra Magazine for its commitment to sustainability, we take pride in pushing the boundaries of what clean energy engineering can achieve. Our work reflects a shared belief that through creativity and collaboration, we can help shape a more sustainable future.
Innovation
Innovation is at the core of everything we do. Our technological progress is driven by the brilliant minds of aspiring engineers who combine creativity with a relentless drive to solve real-world challenges. We go beyond building a solar car—we strive to push the limits of solar technology and uncover its full potential, paving the way for the future of sustainable transportation.
Community
At the heart of our team is a strong sense of community. Through collaboration, shared challenges, and collective achievements, members gain not only hands-on experience and valuable skills, but also form lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. We believe in creating a space where everyone feels supported, inspired, and empowered to grow—both personally and professionally—as part of something bigger than themselves.
The Races
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Formula Sun Grand Prix
Teams test their solar-powered vehicles on a closed circuit, assessing the efficiency and performance of their designs under controlled conditions. They record the number of laps they complete around a racetrack in just three days. The race's purpose is to promote solar energy, sustainable transportation, and firsthand learning opportunities for students, encouraging them to apply their engineering skills to develop efficient and high-performance solar cars in a competitive environment.
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American Solar Challenge
A challenge for collegiate teams to design, build, and race solar-powered vehicles across a 1,500-2,000 mile route. Participants, primarily university students, form multidisciplinary teams to create innovative solar cars, emphasizing aerodynamics and energy efficiency. The competition serves as a platform for hands-on experience, pushing the boundaries of solar technology and inspiring the next generation of engineers focused on sustainable transportation solutions.