SIKAT: RP’s 2nd solar-powered car visits Iloilo City
The 2nd solar-powered car exclusively made in the Philippines by Filipinos will be at the UP Visayas Iloilo City campus on February 11, 2010.
In January 2007, the first solar-powered car in the Philippines was launched with the help of Ford Group Philippines, Motolite, Pilipinas Shell, San Miguel Corporation, Sunpower, and other private corporations. Dubbed SINAG, the first prototype was made by the students and faculty members of De LaSalle University Manila as lead developers.
In 2008 SINAG became the Philipines’ inaugural entry to The World Solar Challenge in Australia. It performed exceptionally well from the beginning of the race from Darwin to Adelaide, traversing 3,021 kilometers and finishing 20th place from 38 participants. According to its Team Leader, Rene Fernandez, SINAG “weathered the course far beyond any of our expectations.”
Now comes its brother SIKAT, the 2nd solar-powered car built in the Philippines. SIKAT will again compete in the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia.
SIKAT sports the same sleek look as SINAG but has numerous improvements. It is roughly 100kg lighter than SINAG and will most likely beat the latter’s top speed of 112kph. In addition, SIKAT has a new wheel configuration with the drive wheel now located in front as opposed to SINAG’s rear-wheel drive setup.
Since January of this year, SIKAT has embarked on a roadshow tour and has been making the rounds in Metro Manila and Luzon. In addition SIKAT has also visited Davao, Iligan, and Cagayan de Oro.
Together with a motorcade, SIKAT will run from Central Philippine University in Jaro to the UPV Campus along General Luna Street on February 11. It will be on display at the lobby of the Graduate and Continuing Education Building along along with an exhibit. The occasion will be graced by Hon. Neil D. Tupas, Governor, Province of Iloilo.
In addition, there will also be a Symposium/Module Presentation by the DLSU Technical Team as well as presentations from the Ford Group, Motolite, Pilipinas Shell and Sunpower, and the World Wildlife Fund. (Lyncen M. Fernandez)
