Solar car Perła under construction at AGH University

The Perła project involves the construction of a fully functional 4-seater solar car. Due to the use of ultralight materials, the car’s total mass was reduced to approximately 500 kg. As it is powered by solar energy, the roof and the bonnet have built-in photovoltaic panels with a surface area of 5 m². The maximum speed is 140 km/h. The vehicle's power supply system is based on a large battery located under the bonnet. The 3S5P battery pack consists of 7 modules made up of pouch-type lithium-ion cells. The maximum battery capacity is 22.4 kWh.

Perła is distinguished by its lightness, as the entire monocoque frame of the vehicle is made mainly of carbon composites. The constructors are trying to make the car as energy efficient as possible. The speed of the car is not their top priority. The students also put great emphasis on aesthetics and functionality. The car will have a driver’s screen and an entertainment screen with original interface.

The construction work includes more than a hundred students from different AGH University faculties. The project is implemented by the Eko-Energia Student Research Club. The club’s supervisor is Dr Maciej Żołądek of the Faculty of Energy and Fuels.

The team is planning to present Perła at the biggest European solar car challenge in Europe, the iLumen European Solar Challenge in Belgium, as well as at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, organised every two years in Australia.