Semarang, September 1, 2025 – The Vocational School of Diponegoro University (UNDIP) has once again showcased its innovative spirit with the launch of a Solar-Powered Buggy Car, developed at the Teaching Factory Manufacture SV UNDIP by a team of lecturers—Didik Ariwibowo, S.T., M.T. (Lecturer of Mechanical Design Engineering Technology) and Rofiq Cahyo Prayogi, S.T., M.T. (Lecturer of Automation Engineering Technology)—in collaboration with students. The first trial was conducted on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
The Solar-Powered Buggy Car is an electric motor-driven vehicle combined with solar panels and powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries. These batteries are known for their high safety, long cycle life, high discharge rate capability, and very low self-discharge. This combination allows the Buggy Car to be used repeatedly across various terrains without sacrificing energy efficiency. The vehicle accommodates up to eight passengers.
“We designed this vehicle not only to be environmentally friendly but also capable of tackling challenging terrains such as the hilly contours of UNDIP’s Tembalang campus,” said Didik Ariwibowo.
Currently, the Solar-Powered Buggy Car is undergoing trial runs within the campus environment. Initial results show stable performance of the electric motor on uphill tracks and the effectiveness of solar panels in providing autonomous power supply. The inaugural test was attended by Dr. Warsito Kawedar, S.E., M.Si., Akt., Vice Rector II for Planning, Finance, Assets, Business, and General Affairs of UNDIP, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Purwanto, DEA, Head of UNDIP Development and Planning Agency, both of whom expressed high appreciation for the innovation.
“This is an extraordinary achievement. We are very proud of the initiatives and innovations from the Vocational School,” said Dr. Warsito Kawedar.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ir. Budiyono, M.Si., Dean of the Vocational School, emphasized: “The development of the Buggy Car is tangible proof that UNDIP Vocational School is capable of producing applied technologies that focus on sustainability and address future needs.”
With the launch of the Solar-Powered Buggy Car, UNDIP Vocational School reaffirms its commitment to producing innovations that are both dignified and impactful, in line with its mission to support Dikti Saintek Berdampak in building a more advanced and sustainable Indonesia.