Western launches next gen solar car, UNLIMITED 6.0

Western Sydney University’s Solar Car team have today unveiled their most innovative and advanced solar car design yet, ‘UNLIMITED 6.0’.

Featuring design upgrades including a composite front roll hoop to protect the driver, the hoop can support the weight of a family car while weighing just under two kilograms.

Supported by the School of Engineering, Design, and Built Environment, the Western Sydney Solar Car team launched the three-wheeled vehicle – UNLIMITED 6.0 – at a special event at Western Sydney University’s Kingswood campus to invited guests, supporters and sponsors.

Set to compete in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in August for the sixth time, the student-led team have designed and built their most cutting-edge solar car to date ensuring energy efficiency in challenging winter conditions when sunlight is reduced.

Team Manager, Ruairi Milligan said the launch of UNLIMITED 6.0 marks an exciting new chapter for the team, as they unveil a solar car designed to push boundaries and set new standards to tackle the unique challenges of this year’s Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

“Hundreds of components on UNLIMITED 6.0 were uniquely engineered to help our solar car perform at its absolute best, despite predictions of up to 20 percent less sunlight than previous events with the challenge being held in winter for the first time,” said Ruairi.

“Our strategy focuses on integrating our most efficient silicon solar panels and completely redesigning the battery management system to adapt to the expected reduction in solar input.”

Fast facts about UNLIMITED 6.0

  • The car’s top speed is 130 kilometres per hour and took nearly two years to design, engineer and manufacture
  • UNLIMITED 6.0 can travel at highway speeds through the Australian Outback powered by the same amount of energy that a home kettle uses
  • The car can travel 300 kilometres using the same amount of energy a Tesla needs to travel 25 kilometres
  • A new composite front roll hoop protects the driver– weighing just under two kilograms it can support the weight of a family car
  • The car features a three-wheeled design, with the driver cell and composite load bearing components completely manufactured in house at Western Sydney University
  • The suspension systems are made from aerospace grade aluminium and assembled on campus
  • UNLIMITED 6.0 uses the most efficient solar array yet to combat winter conditions, leveraging state-of-the-art solar technology and integration techniques to maximise energy capture
  • UNLIMITED 6.0 features new dynamic body panels that are optimised for high-speed efficiency and cornering performance

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is an international event where teams traverse over 3000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide using solar powered vehicles, putting engineering efforts to the ultimate test to withstand the harsh Australian outback.

Team member Isabella Warland said unique innovative features of UNLIMITED 6.0 include a completely wireless steering wheel to improve efficiency while also reducing weight, sealed wheel covers and movable fairings to enhance performance.

“Our electrical system is something special with thousands of hours going into designing and manufacturing the complex circuitry required to power the vehicle. On the mechanical side, we’ve developed five brand-new devices,” said Isabella.

“Building the best solar car in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge takes more than one great idea – it takes a combination of smart systems and strong teamwork, where strategy and even the smallest of details can make a difference.”

Western Sydney University has been named number one in the world for its social, economic and environmental impact in the prestigious 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for an unprecedented fourth year in a row.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO commended the Western Sydney Solar Team on their ongoing passion for sustainability and innovation in tackling climate change and furthering advancements in clean, renewable energy.

“For over a decade, the Western Sydney Solar Car team has taken pride in designing, building and racing world-class solar powered vehicles with a commitment to sharing their passion and innovative ideas on the world stage,” said Professor Williams.

“UNLIMITED 6.0 is an example of how Western Sydney University is showing the world the way by delivering community impact and safeguarding the planet for future generations.”

Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Event Ambassador, Chris Selwood AM, said the Western Sydney Solar team is one of Australia’s strongest contenders as the only international team to win the American Solar Challenge.

“The Western Sydney Solar Team have a history of innovation and pushing to the next level, they are an exciting team to watch. Their journey reflects a passion for the environment and commitment to a more sustainable driving future,” Chris said.

The team wishes to acknowledge the support from its major sponsors for 2025, including Abergeldie, Complex Infrastructure, Phoenix Contact, Revolution, Bridgestone, and the Sydney Motor Sport Park powered by the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club.

Follow the team’s progress in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge via the Western Sydney Solar Car website, or on Facebook (opens in a new window), Instagram (opens in a new window), and LinkedIn (opens in a new window).

ENDS

3 July 2025

Danielle Aiken, Media Officer

Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas

Videographer: Mark Keiller