Sungo was designed and constructed in 1993 as s purpose-built vehicle with restricted battery capacity to compete in the American Tour de Sol and Electric Car Race. From its first competition, Sungo demonstrated very high-energy efficiency (Watts per mile-much like miles per gallon in a gasoline-fueled car). Because of the limited battery capacity, however, Sungos range was only about 70 miles per charge.

In 1995, the limited battery class was eliminated from the Tour de Sol, so the student members of NHTI Solar-Electric Car Team decided to squeeze into Sungo as much battery capacity as possible. The added batteries, although still very limited, extended Sungos range to between 85 and 90 miles per charge. The improvement in range was still not competitive with several other cars in the Commuter Class that had huge battery banks, although Sungo continued to win the class efficiency award and was unbeatable in the autocross events.

For the 1996 Tour de Sol between New York City and Washington D.C., the Team outfitted Sungo with the newly available "Horizon" advanced lead-acid batteries. Those batteries offered nearly 40% greater energy storage for a given size and weight than did conventional lead-acid batteries. As a result, Sungo moved into first place, three-way tie for one-charge range of 124 miles. Sungo also won first place student-built Commuter Class car, first place overall for a lead-acid battery powered car, first place in "on the road" efficiency, and second place, overall, in the class.

The month after the 1996 Tour, Sungo set an unofficial alternative energy, vehicle time of 13 minutes, 55.46 seconds in the Sports Car Club of America Mt. Washington (NH) Hill climb, breaking the old record by two and a half minutes. The mountain auto road, 7.4 miles long, rises 4,700 feet in that distance, and has 70 turns on its parts-asphalt, part-gravel surface.

For the 1997 American Tour de Sol, Sungo got 10 Ovonic, Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) batteries, and the Teams three student drivers won just about every Commuter Class award, including almost $1500 in cash prizes.

By 1998, two additional Ovonic NiMH batteries were installed, motors that produce 250% more power than the originals found a home, and two CGI planetary differential gearboxes replaced the cog-belt drive system. Unfortunately, prolonged heavy rains on the Tour revealed a dire need for additional waterproofing of the batter storage system, and Sungo was never a contender, although running to the finish of the Tour.

However, in 1999, Sungo won the Commuter Category, including a first place in the quarter-mile drag racing event.

In 2000, Sungo was operating with a 156-Volt NiMH battery system by GM Ovonic, a revised braking system, the controllers were modified to pass much more current on demand, and a strengthened driveline to withstand the added power was installed. Despite a broken suspension component that incurred a 45-minute time penalty, Sungo still tied for first place in the Battery Electric Category. Sungo also set a new record for fuel efficiency for a four-wheel vehicle: 120 miles per gallon equivalent.

For the 2001 edition o the American Tour de Sol, Sungos voltage was increased, to 168 Volts, suspension and steering components were revised, and interior modifications for comfort and appearance were made.

The 2002 American Tour de Sol will be contested by a radically revised Sungo. Modifications include improved interior room, new paint and graphics on an altered body, and the addition of ten nickel-metal hydride batteries, modulated by new electronics.

In 2003, the SEV Club will build an entirely new vehicle.