The very first Belgian solar car

The Umicar (I) was the very first Belgian solar car to take part in the World Solar Challenge of 2005. Despite a lack of experience, the car still managed to finish in eleventh place.

In 2005 the rules concerning the WSC were a lot different from what they are now. Participants were allowed to use a 9m² solar panel, a roll-over protective structure and lights were not required and the driver did not have to be able to get in and out by himself within 15 seconds. When all these rules changed in 2007, a new class was created for cars such as the Umicar: the Adventure class. The Umicar Infinity was adapted to the new rules and participated in the Challenge class. The new Umicar will also be competing in this same class in 2009.

In the summer of 2006 the Umicar broke a new record. During the Solar Tour, the car was the first solar car to be driven through the Belgian countryside for 2 whole weeks, using only (as required) solar energy. Currently the Umicar I can be viewed in the car museum in Brussels.