'Sikat,' RP's second solar car, embarks on nationwide tour

"Sikat," the second solar-powered car built exclusively by Filipinos embarks on a 50-day nationwide tour covering over 20 venues today. Sikat replaces its older brother, "Sinag," and is poised to bring us to victory in the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia.

Sporting the same sleek look as Sinag, Sikat boasts numerous improvements that will hopefully let it best its competitors. It weighs in at 190kg, roughly 100kg lighter than Sinag, and is likely to beat the latter's top speed of 112kph. Sikat also has a new wheel configuration: The drive wheel is now located in front as opposed to Sinag's rear-wheel drive setup.


The P5-million solar car is a product of the De La Salle University backed by its partners Ford Group Philippines, Inc., Motolite Batteries, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., and Sunpower Corp.

From all of us here at Techie, we wish Sikat the best of luck!


Sikat Roadshow schedule:

January 2010

12 – De La Salle University, Manila
13 – Technological University of the Philippines, Manila
14 – Reserved for the Department of Education (Makati Science High School)
15 – Reserved for the Department of Education (Quezon City Science High School)
16 to 17 – SM North
18 – Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila
23 to 24 – SM Davao
25 – Ateneo de Davao University
26 – University of Mindanao
29 – Mindanao State University (Iligan Institute of Technology)
31 – SM Cagayan de Oro
February 2010

1 – Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City
2 – University of San Carlos, Cebu City
3 – SM Cebu
6 to 7 – SM Bacolod
8 – University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City
10 – Central Philippine University, Iloilo City
11 – UP Visayas School of Technology, Iloilo City
12 – SM Iloilo
15 – SM Batangas
16 – Batangas State University, Batangas City
18 – Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City
19 – Holy Angel University, Angeles City
20 – SM Pampanga
23 – Northwestern University, Laoag City