Sun-powered car sets off on tour

A solar-powered car designed by students in the north-east of England is setting off on a tour of secondary schools around England.

Designed by Durham University's School of Engineering students, the car can reach speeds of up to 60mph.

The car will take part in a 3,000km race in Australia next year.

Over the next two weeks, it is touring secondary schools to inspire young people to take an interest in science and engineering.

The car will take part in the World Solar Challenge in Australia for cars that are powered only by sunlight.

Our tour of schools will show young people that engineering is fun, exciting, relevant and challenging Dr David Sims-Williams

The Durham University Solar-Powered Car (DUSC) has been sponsored by the government-funded Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and battery manufacturers C&D Technologies.

Aerodynamics expert Dr David Sims-Williams, who is behind the project said: "The future, as far as cars are concerned, is electric.

"The car of the future may not carry its solar panels around with it like ours, but solar energy could be used to power its batteries.

"Our tour of schools will show young people that engineering is fun, exciting, relevant and challenging.

"Using DUSC is an ideal way to promote science and engineering because everyone relates to cars and the environment."

The car sets off from Alnwick, in Northumberland, on Monday.