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Appalachian State University Team Races Solar Car Across The Country

Appalachian State University’s solar vehicle, Apperion, on the track at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania. Credit: Marie Freeman

A team of Appalachian State University students is currently racing across the country in the solar-powered car they built. Team Sunergy began the competition after a three-day qualifying round.

The ASU group placed third at the recent Formula Sun Grand Prix in Pennsylvania. And now, they're on a 1,975-mile trip across the country.

The American Solar Challenge will take the drivers through seven states and nine national forests, all while testing the endurance and sustainability of their vehicle. Project Manager and driver Dan Blakeley describes the car they've named Apperion. 

“It's a three-wheeled, fully solar powered vehicle. It has a 1,200 watt solar array. At 45mph it can sustain itself all day while using less power than you consume while utilizing a standard hair dryer.”

The Solar Challenge began on Saturday in Brecksville, Ohio and will finish in Hot Springs, South Dakota. ASU's is the only North Carolina team in the competition.

Follow the team's progress and get updates on their journey here.

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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