ARGO

The first solar car at the University of Illinois since 1997. Argo was designed and built over the course of three years (2014-2017) and, in October of 2017, entered its first race, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. There, Argo drove over 1000km powered entirely by the sun. Argo has an Illinois license plate and is entirely road-legal!

In 2018 Argo placed 7th at the American Solar Challenge.

Technical Facts

Argo has a vertically integrated design. Some key aspects of the design include:
  • 1 Carbon Fiber Panel Chassis
  • 2 DC direct drive motors in the front wheels
  • 5 fairings
  • 6 square meters of solar array
  • 224 kg unloaded weight
  • 420 Lithium-Ion batteries

American Solar Challenge

The Illini Solar Car team took Argo to compete in the American Solar Challenge in July of 2018. It was an incredible experience and Argo finished 7th overall! Read all about the event here.