Deakin shines on day one of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge with a lap record and top four finish

Deakin University students and staff are blazing a trail across the Australian outback in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) – a biennial, 3,000-kilometre journey from Darwin to Adelaide that pushes the boundaries of engineering, sustainability and endurance.

After a thrilling first day of racing, the 21-member Deakin University Solar Team (DUST) is sitting proudly in fourth position in the Cruiser Class with their radically reimagined solar electric vehicle, DUST1.

Despite a tough start and a few minor setbacks, the team – made up of 17 students and four staff – exceeded expectations at every checkpoint. DUST1 now holds the official fastest lap time for a Cruiser Class solar car at Hidden Valley Raceway, clocking in at an impressive 2:02.85 minutes.

Following an overnight roadside camp approximately 100km south of Katherine, the team is now cruising toward the second control stop in Dunmarra, 633km from Darwin – with today’s goal to reach Tennant Creek, travelling at 80km/h and riding a helpful tailwind.

This year is Deakin’s second entry into the BWSC, and the first time the event is being held in August instead of October – a shift that reduces available solar energy by 20%.

Professor Ben Horan, Head of Deakin’s School of Engineering who is travelling with the team, said the 2025 entry builds on lessons learned in 2023 and embraces new Cruiser Class regulations.

DUST1 is a sleek, student-designed vehicle weighing just 400kg and powered by a custom-built 15kW battery – the largest ever manufactured by Deakin.

The BWSC, held from 24–31 August, is a hands-on opportunity for students to apply their skills in a high-pressure, real-world environment.

For first-year mechanical engineering student Archie Mills, the experience has been transformative.

‘I’ve been super lucky to join the team in my first year of engineering,’ Archie said. ‘This lets me compete in the 2025 BWSC and prepare for the next one in 2027. I hope I can carry this knowledge forward – into the next challenge and into the industry.’

Environmental engineering student Tamanna Sharma has taken on everything from sponsorships and logistics to media and morale.

‘It’s been equal parts chaos and teamwork, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Tamanna said. ‘I’ve worked alongside incredible people on everything from socials to getting our truck – and hungry teammates – through the harsh Australian outback.’

The Deakin Solar Car Team brings together students from across the University, representing disciplines including mechanical, electrical and aerodynamics engineering, information technology, business, design, marketing and communication.

The project is also a launchpad for careers.

Alumni from the 2023 team have gone on to secure roles at ManuFutures, Toyota, Dick Johnson Racing and Tesla.

Former team lead Nathan Semianiw now works as a Test Engineer at Tesla in California.

‘Being approached by engineers and recruiters during the 2023 BWSC completely changed my life,’ Nathan said. ‘Without the Deakin Solar Car and the BWSC, I would never have achieved this dream.’

Follow the DUST journey on Instagram @dust.deakin

Follow the race via the live tracker: LIVE TRACKER MAP | Bridgestone World Solar Challenge