A solar-powered car created by teams from two schools in Sussex is this morning (August 2) starting a ten-day exhibition journey from John O'Groats to Haywards Heath.
The 'Basking Beastie' has been the focus of work by students from Ardingly College and Ifield Community College, in what the teams said was an attempt to find solutions to the problems of vehicle pollution.
Tom Porter, a student from Ifield Community College, said:
“As a pupil, this trip is important to me as I get to have a voice to show what can be done in solar energy transport.
"It's exciting to know we are helping to build a better future”.
Steve Scofield, head of business development at the Institute of the Motor Industry, which is supporting the project, added:
“There is no question that we need the greatest minds working on the best ideas to tackle the global pollution challenges and the Ardingly Ifield Solar team are playing no small part in using their imagination and ingenuity to show that solar power could be part of the answer.
“It’s hugely exciting to be involved in this latest project from the team and we really hope that by touring the UK their message about using solar power will reach a wider audience. We are also delighted that we can use this event to help raise funds for automotive charity, Ben.”
The Institute of the Motor Industry said it has supported Ardingly Ifield Solar throughout its developments, playing a "pivotal role" in the construction of each of the solar cars, as well as developing an electric vehicle extracurricular course for pupils that will be trialled at Ardingly College and Ifield Community College this September.
When the 'Basking Beastie' arrives in the south east of England, its anticipated stopping points are:
- 10th August – Central London – 1.00pm (Ministry of Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Rd, London, SW1P 4DR)
- 11th August – McLaren – 11am (McLaren Technology Centre, Woking, GU21 4YH)
- 11th August - Crawley Thales & Elekta – 3.00pm (Thales - Manor Royal, Crawley, RH109HA, Elekta - Linac House, Fleming Way, Crawley, RH10 9RR)
- 11th August - Haywards Heath – 5.00pm (Ardingly College, College Rd, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, RH17 6SQ)
To find out more about the Ardingly Solar Car Project visit https://www.ardinglysolar.com
The charity being supported, Ben, describes itself as:
"Dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.
"Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change.
"Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services.
"Ben provides life-changing support to those facing crisis as well as helping them prevent crisis."
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