University of Michigan 's team finishes solar-car race in first place . The solar cars are powered by a combination of sunlight and hydrogen fuel cells, which convert water into electricity to power the wheels. Fifteen teams of students drove photovoltaic-powered cars across the North American Solar Challenge finish line in Calgary Tuesday , led by the University of Michigan Solar Car Team and its vehicle , Continuum . Michigan takes 51 hours and 42 minutes on the road . Principia College and German solar car team finish 2nd and 3rd .
University of Michigan 's team finishes solar-car race in first place . The solar cars are powered by a combination of sunlight and hydrogen fuel cells, which convert water into electricity to power the wheels. Michigan takes 51 hours and 42 minutes on the road . Principia College and German solar car team finish 2nd and 3rd .