The “John Lee,” the fastest and lightest solar car ever built by Yale’s Team Lux, which runs at 65 m.p.h. under full sunlight using less power than a hairdryer, will race in its first international competition in May at the Phaethon Solar Car Race in Athens, Greece.
Formed in 1996, Team Lux is a group of about 15 Yale undergraduates who design, build and race solar-powered cars. The races run along public highways and are the culmination of years of hard work. The construction of a solar car requires a large range of technical and logistical skills. Students in all majors are encouraged to participate to gain a better understanding of mechanical, electrical and business projects. The students are responsible for every stage of the fundraising, design and construction process.