Solar-car Solar Team Twente
In 2020, Pillen was approached by Solar Team Twente, this team annually provides the solar car that participates in a competition in Australia on solar energy. They were looking for a supplier of various parts for the steering of this car. Read more about this collaboration here.
Contents:
- About Solar Team Twente
- Our cooperation
Place Twente
Customer: Solar Team Twente
Product: Steering mechanism (2021), suspension components & solar panel system (2025)
Design: Students Universiteit Twente, Saxion Hogeschool and ROC Twente
Processing/expertise: Precision machining
1. About Solar Team Twente
Since 2005, Solar Team Twente has consisted of students from the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and ROC Twente, with a common goal: building the most efficient solar car in the entire world. This car is completely redeveloped every year, fully focused on driving more than 3,000 kilometres on solar energy.
Every year, technical limits are pushed and the car is raced against other teams in the form of ‘challenges’. Every two years, a new team forms and works, from Enschede, to design and build the car. The mission is not only to win, but also to contribute to a more sustainable society and inspire others.
2. Our cooperation
In 2020, Pillen Group was approached by Solar Team Twente. The students were looking for a supplier for several parts of the steering mechanism. Working closely with the team, we worked towards a workable and innovative design. Using our 5-axis machine tools, we produced parts with complex shapes and curves, specifically designed with aerodynamics in mind.
During initial mock-up tests, the parts were assembled, after which the design was further refined. Some components turned out to need adjustments, which led to the re-manufacturing of several parts. Thanks to this iterative collaboration, we delivered precise, custom-made components for the 2021 car.
In 2025, we were again able to contribute to this special project. For Solar Team Twente’s latest solar car, the RED Discover, we produced various high-quality and technically complex components. This time it involved parts incorporated in the wheel suspension and the solar panel system. Although these parts are not immediately recognisable on their own, they are essential links in the solar car as a whole.
On Thursday 8 May 2025, the festive unveiling of the RED Discover took place at Twente Airport. A special moment, which we as a partner were proud to attend. The team exuded enthusiasm, technical knowledge and craftsmanship, qualities that can be felt in every phase of the cooperation.
