Team aCentauri’s innovative solar car is on its way to the World Solar Challenge in Australia. The international transport service provider Gebrüder Weiss used its hydrogen truck on the first leg of the high-tech vehicle on 5 September 2023. With a comprehensive logistics solution comprising land transport, sea and air freight, the experts are ensuring that the vehicle developed by the students at ETH Zurich can be at the starting line in Darwin on time in October.
Katharina Zimmerling, Branch Manager Air & Sea Zurich is inspired by the innovation drivers at ETH Zurich: "I was deeply impressed by the determination shown by the solar team in the work on developing mobility solutions of tomorrow. The alternative drive technology is also a good fit for Gebrüder Weiss. This motivates me all the more to ensure that aCentauri gets off to a good start in the race.
The participants of the unique World Solar Challenge have to cover 3000 km across the Australian outback, from Darwin to Adelaide, using only solar power. aCentauri is one of 31 teams in the "Challenger" category.
"Over 8000 hours of research, development, along with lots of blood, sweat and tears have gone into our solar car, pushing the boundaries of what is currently technically possible and showing how much potential there is in young people. The dedicated transport solution developed by Gebrüder Weiss demonstrates our supporters’ appreciation for our work," says Aaron Griesser, Drivetrain & Controls, aCentauri. The aCentauri team is particularly pleased that, with the hydrogen truck, two alternative drive systems are coming together to prove their work on the first transport leg: sustainable mobility is possible.
As a driver of intelligent transport solutions, Gebrüder Weiss helps young scientists to shape the mobility of the future together. The logistics experts showcases their extensive know-how and many years of experience, be it to start on time at the World Solar Challenge, or for a Mars or space mission.