- This student-developed prototype from the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Mathematics will seek to test its autonomy in an unprecedented trip of more than 2,300 kilometers between the regions of Antofagasta and Los Lagos.
Santiago, April 7, 2022 -After more than three years, the Eolian Auriga Enel X by Scotia challenge was launched this morning. The project involves a remarkable journey in which the first four-passenger solar car prototype in Latin America will travel cross-country for 2,300km connecting Antofagasta and Los Lagos.
This initiative is a joint project between Universidad de Chile's Physical Sciences and Mathematics Dept. (FCFM), Enel X, and Scotiabank Chile, promoting innovation and new technology development that contribute to nationwide electromobility's massification. The goal is to work towards a low-emission economy.
The activity took place at Scotiabank Chile's corporate headquarters, located in Santiago's Parque Titanium. The event was attended by Enel X's general manager, Karla Zapata; Scotiabank Chile's CEO - EVP & Country Head, Diego Masola; and Universidad de Chile FCFM's dean, Francisco Martínez. Martinez was the one who encouraged the 19 students to carry out this challenge.
"This agreement between the academic and private world lets us share knowledge and experiences in technological development to achieve surprising practical results such as this solar car prototype, with levels of autonomy not yet reached by commercial electric vehicles. The enthusiasm shown by the students, together with our support, gives us the motivation to continue promoting ambitious projects like this one", said Enel X's general manager, Karla Zapata.
The Eolian Áuriga-Enel X is a light vehicle weighing 500 kilos with a 3.72m roof2 of solar panels that feed two 2kW motors each, allowing it to reach a speed of up to 90 km/h. Moreover, this vehicle can travel 1,000 kilometers on a full solar charge or a range of up to 700 kilometers without a solar charge.
"A better future requires a healthy planet and clear action against climate change. At Scotiabank, we adhere to this commitment through our environmental policy. We support initiatives such as this technological-academic development that promotes electric mobility massification from renewable sources while also supporting projects that reduce the impact of our activities. We want to incorporate environmental risk assessment as a critical factor in our credit and investment operations," explained Diego Masola, CEO - EVP & Country Head of Scotiabank Chile.
This is the solar car's 6th prototype, the first model in Latin America with a capacity for four passengers, a feature that brings it closer to an everyday vehicle. The Eolian team started in 2007 and included students and former students of the University of Chile's FCFM. Specifically from the departments of Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Chemistry, Biotechnology and Materials; and Computer Science. Also, from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism and the Institute of Communication and Image of the same university.
"The Eolian project has developed a very advanced technology that uses an endless and clean resource such as solar energy, available in our country as in no other part of the planet, in the various versions of solar cars, which are increasingly complex. The vehicle manages to transport four people with autonomy to travel around the country. These are the dreams of students made a reality by themselves, with the great support of companies and universities", said the dean of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Francisco Martínez.
About Enel X
Enel X is the Enel Group's global business line that offers services to accelerate innovation and drive the energy transition. Enel X is a world leader in the energy solutions sector.
In addition to its advanced services, it manages demand response services, with some 6 GW of total capacity and 124 MW of storage capacity installed worldwide, and some 175,000 recharging points for public and private electric vehicles available globally.
About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Inspired by our corporate purpose, "for our future," we help our customers, families, and communities succeed through advice, products, and services in personal and commercial banking, wealth management, private, corporate, investment banking, and capital markets. With approximately 90,000 employees and roughly $1.2 trillion in assets (as of October 31, 2021), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.