AN engineering team from Durham is showing off its solar-powered car at this week's London Motor Show.

Durham University's Electric Motorsport [DUEM] will be displaying a car which can reach speeds of 70mph on solar power alone.

They will be the only university car maker presenting at the world renowned event, which takes place from 5-8th May at Battersea Park.

Tobias McBride, a second year Economics student at Durham University Business School, said: "The project highlights what can be achieved by new ways of thinking and getting young people involved in designing cars for tomorrow:

“This is an incredibly exciting project to be involved with. What we are creating is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the very latest technology, to globally educate about the importance of renewable technology in an environmentally conscious world and to inspire the next generation of those who dare to think differently."

The carbon-fibre car, which weighs 200kg, was designed for the World Solar Challenge in Australia last October.

Established in 2002, the 50-strong DUEM team is the most established university electric car team in the UK. The engineering highlight of the car is its innovative and top secret in-wheel motor design, which is 98% efficient and powers the car up to speeds of 70mph.