Media Invitation - Final road tests this weekend in Blainville - a unique opportunity to see Esteban VII, the solar vehicle developed at Polytechnique, before its departure for the American Solar Challenge

MONTREAL, June 27, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Driving 2,700 kilometres in eight days across seven American states in a solar-powered car using only the energy equivalent to that of a hair dryer: that's the challenge that Polytechnique Montréal's 18-student delegation is preparing to tackle when they participate in the American Solar Challenge, which takes place from July 14 to 28.

The competition, which brings together 23 prototypes from five countries (the United States, Canada, India, Iran and Puerto Rico), consists of driving from Austin, Texas, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a solar vehicle.

Media representatives are invited to interview the team members and watch the last tests of Polytechnique Montréal prototype, Esteban VII, before they leave for the United States. Designed and built entirely by Polytechnique students, the vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 110 km/h. Acceleration, braking and turning tests, tire-changing practice and minor adjustments will take place this weekend at the PMG Technologies Test and Research Centre in Blainville, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Esteban VII solar car project by the numbers:

• 45 students who have been working on the project for over two years
• Annual budget of more than $100,000 for the car's design
• Weight of 290 kg with the driver (30% less than Esteban VI, which weighed 420 kg)
• Expected cruising speed: 60 km/h
• Expected maximum speed: 110 km/h
• New powertrain: two custom-made wheel engines
• Carbon-fibre chassis
• Video

DATEBOOK

WHAT:
Esteban VII road tests

WHEN:
Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:
PMG Technologies
Test and Research Centre
100, rue du Landais
Blainville, Québec J7C 5C9

Photos and videos available upon request.

SOURCE: Polytechnique Montréal

Gabriel Brassard
Engineering physics student
Director, Esteban Project
Polytechnique Montréal
514 883-7404

Nathalie Rochette
Advisor, Communications and Public Relations
Polytechnique Montréal
[email protected]