**Primary Article: University Team Seeks Sponsors for Solar Car Competition**
A group of engineering students from the Technological University of Tijuana (UTT) is calling for sponsors to help them achieve national recognition once again at the Solar Challenge Chihuahua. This competition, set to take place from November 22 to 24, 2024, at the Technological University of Ciudad Juárez, aims to showcase advancements in electric car development.
Throughout the semester, students majoring in mechatronics and sustainable energy have been diligently designing and constructing an electric vehicle, dubbed Cuervo 4.0, to compete in the fifth Reto Solar Chihuahua. This marks the fourth time a team from Tijuana has participated in the event.
“Cuervo 4.0 is entirely student-created—from design to construction and material sourcing. We conduct fundraising activities to gather necessary resources,” explained Rogelio Serrano, a mechatronics professor at UTT.
Joshua Alberto Berumen Cabada, a member of the team, noted, “The car is designed for small circuits, but I believe it has potential for broader use.”
In 2019, the team achieved first place in both technical performance and design. The competition requires cars to remain operational for four hours, with the winner determined by the highest number of laps completed.
Each edition of the competition sees a new generation of students participating, and they focus on recycling key components like solar panels. This year, they even managed to improve the existing motor with funds raised from recent fundraising efforts.
A challenge for this year’s team, led by engineer and pilot Diego Núñez Cruz, is the cold weather, with temperatures expected to range between five to nine degrees Celsius.
Support for the team can be provided through online contributions via Go Fund Me or, for tax-deductible donations, directly through the UTT chancellor’s office in Tijuana.
“We express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us on Go Fund Me and the businesses backing this project,” said Berumen Cabada.
Reflecting on the project’s impact, Professor Serrano remarked, “The electric car movement is rapidly advancing worldwide. This project equips students with teamwork skills and awareness of emerging technologies and sustainable energy.”
The Cuervo 4.0 team includes four professors and nine students: Josue Alberto Berumen Cabada, Antonio Medina Almeida, Diego Núñez Cruz, Jan Alain Valerio Valdez, Cindy Berenice Silva Flores, Juan Antonio Hidalgo Chavez, Perla JasmÃn Diaz Verduzco, José Javier Torres Ramirez, and Joseph Arturo Pérez Arcos.
**Secondary Article: Global Surge in Solar-Powered Vehicle Innovation**
As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, solar-powered vehicles are gaining momentum. Recent advancements showcase their potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Countries worldwide are investing in research and development to enhance the efficiency and practicality of solar technologies in vehicles.
Major corporations like Tesla and BYD are expanding their efforts, with innovations ranging from solar panel integration in existing models to entirely new solar concepts. Collaborations between automotive companies and academic institutions are common, with competitions such as the Solar Challenge spurring further innovation and interest.
Solar electric cars hold promise not just for personal transportation but also for public services and logistics. As technology advances, the hope is to see solar vehicles playing a critical role in sustainable urban mobility and beyond.