Bridgestone Empowers Durham Students

Durham University students recently succeeded in the iLumen European Solar Challenge, held at Circuit Zolder in Belgium.

Their solar-powered car ‘Ortus-T’ completed an impressive 225 laps, securing a ninth-place finish in the endurance race. This achievement is even more extraordinary because the team didn’t need to make a single tyre-related pit stop throughout the 24-hour event, thanks to Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tyre technology.

The ‘Ortus-T’ is a 4x2m marvel. It boasts 4m2 of silicon solar panels as well as a carbon fibre and Kevlar chassis. The specially designed Bridgestone ENLITEN tyres played a crucial role in the vehicle’s performance, enabling it to travel longer distances between charges due to their superior rolling resistance qualities.

This success follows the team’s performance in the Bridgestone 2023 World Solar Challenge, where they completed a 3,000km journey over six days using ENLITEN tyres. The students’ innovative modifications to the ‘Ortus-T’, initially designed for a previous Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, included adaptations for road racing and enhancements for faster acceleration.

Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tyres are performance-driven and sustainable, with 63% of the materials being recycled and renewable resources.

Andrea Manenti, Vice President of Bridgestone North Region, commended the Durham University team’s achievements. He said: “The Durham University team never ceases to amaze us. To complete the iLumen European Solar Challenge is an incredible achievement, on the back of their World Solar Challenge success in 2023.

“They continue to demonstrate what is possible in the area of future mobility and we’re proud to be with them for every kilometre, courtesy of our ENLITEN tyre technology. Their achievements inspire us to keep innovating and developing more sustainable solutions.”

As the Durham University team gears up for their next challenge, the world eagerly anticipates their future endeavours, with Bridgestone pledging unwavering support and collaboration every step of the way.