Faculty and students from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education have proudly unveiled a lightweight solar-powered electric vehicle named "Sophie." This innovative creation requires just 35 minutes of charging and can cover 15 kilometers without direct sunlight, showcasing remarkable efficiency. Sophie secured second place at the eco-car race held in Malaysia earlier this year. The multidisciplinary team behind this initiative consists of 26 members, comprising six mentors and 20 students from diverse fields like mechanical engineering, electrical machinery, smart homes, technology, automation, and creative toy design. Together, they’ve tackled everything from conceptualizing and drafting designs to conducting simulations and optimizing energy distribution. The latest iteration of Sophie can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour, but under optimal energy-saving conditions, it achieves a steady pace of 30 kilometers per hour. One of the key innovations lies in the team's approach to material selection. Instead of traditional glass-based solar panels, they've crafted lighter, transparent soft films, reducing unnecessary elements such as doors, air conditioning, and sound systems. By focusing solely on essential components—body, motor, wheels, and solar modules—their efforts have trimmed the vehicle's weight down to an impressive 60 kilograms, maximizing energy efficiency. In July, Sophie faced off against 130 teams from 18 countries and regions during the eco-car marathon in Kuala Lumpur. On the F1 track at the Sepang International Circuit, it claimed second place after completing the most energy-efficient run in just 23 minutes. Project supervisor He Jianxun, a lecturer at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, emphasized the importance of fostering environmental consciousness among students through hands-on experience. "This project helps students realize how precious natural resources truly are," he stated. "We want them—and society—to appreciate the value of renewable energy and ensure future generations don’t take it for granted." He expressed optimism that Sophie could inspire broader adoption of solar power across academia, professional sectors, and industries. As the world grapples with sustainability challenges, projects like Sophie serve as a beacon of hope, proving that creativity, collaboration, and innovation can pave the way toward a greener future. Eye Bolts,Lifting Eye Bolt,Carbon Steel Eye Bolt,Carbon Steel Lifting Eye Bolt Kunshan Liyue Hardware Products Co.,Ltd , https://www.fixlyhardware.com