Exciting Updates from the Cannonball Sun Solar Car Team

 Greetings, Solar Car Enthusiasts!

It's been a while since our last update, but we're back and ready to share some thrilling news with you all. Over the past 15 months, the NY2LA Solar Car Team has been hard at work, making significant strides towards our ultimate goal of crossing the United States solely under the power of the sun.

First and foremost, we're thrilled to announce that we've been making incredible progress with our solar car, affectionately named "NY2LA". Thanks to the generous sponsorship from High Tec Solar, we were able to equip our vehicle with a state-of-the-art solar array, ensuring optimal performance under the sun's rays. Additionally, we've upgraded our battery to a 72v system and implemented a new turn signal/headlight/low voltage system for added functionality.

But our journey doesn't stop there. We've taken NY2LA out for some on-road testing, and the results have been nothing short of exceptional. Despite not having our aerodynamic outer shell installed yet, the car has exceeded our expectations in terms of efficiency and performance.

 

Of course, it hasn't been all smooth sailing. We encountered some challenges along the way, particularly in getting the solar panels to tilt and mount correctly. However, with perseverance and determination, we were able to overcome these obstacles and continue moving forward.

One of the most significant changes for our team has been the transition to a new workspace and the acquisition of a trailer. While it's been a bit of a journey finding the perfect home for our project, we're now settled in and ready to tackle the road ahead.

Looking ahead to the coming months, we have some exciting plans in store. In late April, we'll be embarking on a route survey, driving backward from Los Angeles to Michigan to finalize our route for the upcoming journey. Then, it's full steam ahead as we finalize the design of our aerobody and prepare for manufacturing. While waiting for the aerobody parts, we'll be focusing on finalizing our 12v system and outfitting our trailer for the journey.

In early June, we'll conduct testing in and around Michigan, making any necessary modifications to ensure NY2LA is in top condition. And finally, in early July, the moment we've all been waiting for: we'll hit the road, starting our journey from NYC and making our way to Los Angeles powered only by the sun.

Of course, the journey won't be without its challenges. We're particularly mindful of the Rocky Mountains, the scorching temperatures of the Mojave Desert, and the unpredictability of monsoon season in New Mexico. To address these challenges, we're ramping up our weather and route strategy efforts, and we're in the process of bringing on a new team member to assist with this critical aspect of our journey.

Additionally, we're outfitting our racing trailer to ensure we're well-prepared to be self-sufficient in the western half of the US, where resources may be scarce. With these preparations in place, we're confident that we'll be able to tackle whatever obstacles come our way and make our solar-powered journey a resounding success.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to prepare for this epic adventure. The sun awaits, and we can't wait to share our journey with you all!

Until next time,

The Cannonball Sun Solar Car Team