Deakin University has announced its return to the prestigious 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), unveiling a radically redesigned, ultra-efficient solar electric vehicle named DUST.
The vehicle, created by the Deakin University Solar Team, will compete in the Cruiser Class of the world’s premier solar car event — a 3,000-kilometre journey from Darwin to Adelaide, running from 24–31 August 2025.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin highlighted the significance of the Challenge for Deakin’s commitment to innovation and real-world learning.
“Participation in the Bridgestone Challenge will showcase Deakin’s strengths in design engineering while providing exceptional learning experiences that develop creativity and technological skills.
“It is anticipated Australia will need 100,000 more engineers by 2030. Last year we introduced Engineering at our Burwood Campus — replicating what we already do so well at Waurn Ponds — to help meet demand and address society’s greatest challenges, including the energy transition and major infrastructure projects,” Professor Martin said.
The 2025 BWSC marks a historic shift, moving from its traditional October slot to August for the first time.
This change is expected to present new challenges, with teams facing approximately 20 per cent less solar energy, demanding even greater efficiency and innovation in vehicle design and performance.
Deakin’s 21-person team — comprising 17 students and four staff — will be the only Victorian team in the Cruiser Class, competing against 38 teams from 19 countries.
The Cruiser Class is judged not only on energy efficiency but also on the practicality of vehicles for everyday use, with criteria including payload, energy consumption, and overall desirability.
Professor Ben Horan, Head of Deakin’s School of Engineering, emphasised the educational and innovative value of the project.
“I couldn’t be more excited for our team heading into the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) for a second time. The challenge is such a great test of Engineering ingenuity, and I could think of no better way for our students to test the boundaries of what is possible.”
DUST has been designed with market acceptance in mind — a solar-powered car that balances aesthetics, performance, and practicality.
The team’s interdisciplinary approach includes students from engineering, IT, design, marketing, and even film and TV, with the latter supporting social media and documentary production during the event.
Chris Selwood AM, BWSC Event Ambassador, commented on the upcoming competition: “I’m expecting a close contest with plenty of twists in the 2025 Challenge, being held for the first time in an Australian winter with 20 per cent less sun.
“Flying the flag as the only Victorian team, Deakin’s commendable debut in 2023 saw them take home two trophies – the Bridgestone E8 Commitment Award and the PR & Media Award. I’m excited to see what they deliver this time.”
The Deakin team will depart for Darwin on 15 August to prepare for the 3,000-kilometre journey — a test of endurance, innovation, and teamwork that promises to be the experience of a lifetime.
