The ANU Solar Racing Team has announced a new partnership with communications technology leader Uniden Australia, as the student-led team intensifies preparations for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) — a 3,022km race from Darwin to Adelaide through some of Australia’s most remote terrain.
Made up of more than 50 students from the Australian National University, the team brings together expertise across engineering, science, business, and computer science faculties. Together, they’ve built ‘Monty’, their fourth-generation solar-powered race car, which will compete in the prestigious Challenger Class of the 2025 event.
Off-grid testing in the outback
From 26 July, the team began a critical off-grid testing phase in Coober Pedy, South Australia — putting Monty through its paces in desert conditions that closely mimic what the vehicle will face during the race. With a carbon fibre asymmetric catamaran chassis and powered by high-efficiency Heterojunction solar cells, Monty is designed to be light, fast, and reliable. The three-wheeled vehicle can reach speeds up to 130km/h.
To support this rigorous testing, Uniden has equipped the team with XTRAK UHF radios and Dash View dash cams to maintain communications between vehicles and support crews spread across vast distances.
Supporting STEM and solar innovation
“We’re incredibly proud to support the ANU Solar Racing Team in their mission to drive innovation and sustainability,” said Brad Hales, Head of Marketing Oceania at Uniden. “This partnership is a perfect alignment of Uniden’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and support for the next generation of STEM talent.”
For the student-run team, the partnership is more than just a technology upgrade. “Testing in remote Australia means reliable communication is non-negotiable,” said Cameron Wallace, Business Lead for the ANU Solar Racing Team. “Uniden’s high-performance equipment gives us the confidence to focus on what matters: refining the car and preparing our team for race day.”
Countdown to the start line
After completing testing in Coober Pedy, the team will travel to Darwin to finalise preparations for the race, which officially begins on 24 August. The BWSC is considered one of the world’s toughest endurance events for solar-powered vehicles, with each team challenged to cross the continent using only the power of the sun.
For the ANU Solar Racing Team, the journey is about more than just competition — it’s about showcasing what’s possible when young engineers and innovators commit to solving real-world problems with sustainable solutions.
With backing from Uniden and a strong student-led vision, the team’s push toward the start line reflects a growing wave of support for renewables, innovation, and the development of future STEM leaders.
Fleet and sustainability managers watching Australia’s next generation of engineers might find inspiration in Monty’s journey — proving that with the right technology, teamwork, and drive, a low-emissions future isn’t just possible, it’s already on the road.
