Covestro Unveils Sonnenwagen Æthon for Outback Challenge

The 2024 European vice-champion is ready for the next challenge: in front of 800 guests, Team Sonnenwagen unveiled their new solar race car “Æthon” in their hometown Aachen.

The goal: victory in the world’s toughest solar race – the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from August 24-31 in Australia; 3,000 kilometers across the Outback – powered solely by the sun.

“What the students from Team Sonnenwagen have achieved here, alongside their regular studies and exams, is really impressive,” says Dr. Thorsten Dreier, CTO at Covestro. “The collaboration between our experts and the students has been and continues to be a great inspiration. Together with all the other strong partners, we’re demonstrating what tomorrow’s mobility can look like. We’re proud that we can contribute innovative materials and know-how to help shape a more sustainable future.”

“Æthon” is the result of 12 months of intensive development. More than 40 students from RWTH and FH Aachen designed, tested, and built the vehicle alongside their studies – supported by Covestro as main sponsor and technology partner.

The Leverkusen-based materials manufacturer contributes more expertise than ever: More than ten different Covestro materials have been incorporated into the vehicle – a record in the project’s history. The solar car thus provides the company with the additional opportunity to test materials for series vehicle production under extreme conditions.

“We are very proud of Æthon. The entire team has put their heart and soul into this project,” says Leonie Brandt, chair of Team Sonnenwagen. “The same goes for our partners, especially Covestro, who have been involved in the project for so long.”

Like its predecessors, the new Sonnenwagen relies on sustainable and innovative materials. The highlights: chemically recycled foam in the driver’s seat – proving that comfort and circular economy can go hand in hand. Chemically recycled Vulkollan, an extremely durable elastomer, is also used. It dampens impacts between battery and body, contributing to the structure’s longevity. Covestro materials are also used in the battery cell holders, aerodynamic outer shell, interior trim, headlights and turn signals, as well as in the coating.

At 5.80 meters, it’s longer and features six square meters of solar cells – a full two square meters more than its predecessor “Covestro Adelie.” Additionally, the racing calendar brings a new challenge: This year, the race takes place at the end of the Australian winter – and thus earlier than usual. For the team, this meant less time for development and testing.

In July, Team Sonnenwagen will depart from Aachen to Australia to compete against more than 50 teams from 24 countries – including numerous leading international universities.