CUT Eco-Vehicle 2.0 Team once again proved why they are the defending champions of the Eco-Vehicle 2.0 Competition after delivering a dominant performance in the 2025 Bluetooth Car Race event.

The Bluetooth Car Race formed part of the broader Eco-Vehicle 2.0 programme, which featured six participating institutions: VUT (Team A & B), NMU, and UFS (Bloemfontein, QwaQwa, and South Campus). Out of the seven competing teams, only CUT and UFS qualified for the highly competitive Bluetooth Race event, a clear reflection of the advanced technical standards achieved by the CUT team.

Eco-Vehicle 2.0 is a collaborative initiative established through UFS Kovsie ACT, building on the success of the original eco-vehicle project. The programme challenges senior undergraduate students to design and construct solar-powered or solar-charged electric vehicles, which later compete in race events. The initiative provides students with practical experience that integrates sustainability, engineering excellence, innovation, and fourth industrial revolution technologies while preparing them for the evolving demands of future industries.

Representing CUT with confidence, precision, and exceptional control, driver Neo Molai recorded the fastest lap time of the entire event, completing the circuit in an astonishing 1 minute and 30 seconds. The performance secured CUT’s position at the top of the leaderboard and reinforced the institution’s growing reputation for innovation, technical superiority, and competitive consistency.

The Bluetooth Car Race requires teams to combine advanced engineering, programming, electronics, and vehicle control systems to produce high-performance, efficient, and reliable vehicles. CUT’s victory was the result of relentless dedication from the entire Eco-Vehicle team, with both the mechanical and electrical divisions working seamlessly behind the scenes to achieve excellence.

According to the Engineering Mediator of the CUT Eco-Vehicle 2.0 Team, Junior Mokgakala, the focus remains on driving innovation, strengthening teamwork, and continuously pushing technological boundaries to maintain CUT’s competitive edge. “This victory is more than just a win on the track. It represents the countless hours of preparation, testing, collaboration, and determination invested by every student and technical member involved in the project,” he said.

With the main Eco-Vehicle 2.0 Race Event scheduled for 29 August 2026, CUT has already intensified preparations to defend its championship title against strong competition from the participating institutions. The team remains determined to uphold its winning legacy and continue representing CUT with pride and distinction.

Excitement and determination continue to fuel the team as members refine vehicle performance, improve system efficiency, and prepare for what is expected to be one of the most competitive Eco-Vehicle races yet.

CUT has set the benchmark. As the defending champions prepare for the ultimate showdown in August 2026, all eyes are firmly on the team leading the future of sustainable engineering innovation.