Purdue solar car enters international contest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A solar-powered car made by Purdue University students is getting an upgrade before it competes in an international contest for fuel-efficient vehicles.

About 40 Purdue undergraduates are finishing up improving the tire and wheel resistance on the car, called Pulsar, before the March 26-28 Shell Eco-marathon Americas contest.

The car won the contest’s solar-car category last year by achieving the equivalent of 4,913 miles per gallon — a record for the event.

Purdue Solar Racing President Ted Pesyna says the students involved in the project have a true passion for design. This year will be the Pulsar’s third and final appearance in the contest.

Sixty-five college and high school teams from eight nations will compete this year.