ECE 217: Solar Car
The course objective is to show students early in their curriculum that a multidisciplinary understanding is essential to create a complex system. UIUC’s own Solar Cars Brizo and Calypso are the examples. The course covers high-level aspects of the design, construction, analysis, and economics of solar-powered electric vehicles. Understanding the business and operations side of running a solar car team will embolden students as they start putting on the hat of an entrepreneur. Topics bridge a variety of engineering disciplines integrated with business to present a cohesive overview highlighting complexities of solar-powered vehicles. Students are expected to gain hands-on experience working with the Solar Car Team to build the next solar car. In-class presentations provide a platform to individuals to convey ideas and contributions to a broad set of multidisciplinary audience.