Prior to the start of the American Solar Challenge 2018, we had a critical failure in our new motors, which were constructed using a Halbach array configuration. This layout maximizes torque output while keeping the motor size relatively small, but it also increases the possibility of failure. The breakdown of our motors happened only a week before we left for the race.
We were very lucky when the Principia Solar Car Team came to our aid, lending us two of their Mitsuba motors and a spare motor controller. While we weren't able to compete in the race, we are grateful that our friends helped us when we were in need.
