MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The world’s top solar-powered cars go head to head on South Africa’s roads in September in an epic 2 500km contest that tests the limits of energy innovation and technology.
This year’s Sasol Solar Challenge is the biggest yet, with up to 15 international teams and strong local contenders competing for the trophy.
The event is a live testing laboratory for new technologies and this year will feature innovative cars with hand-woven solar panels, sophisticated weather monitoring systems and 3D-printed parts. The cars will also boast more efficient electrical systems and batteries.
Local and international teams set off from Pretoria on 22 September and finish in Stellenbosch on 29 September after traversing a challenging route through mountains, deserts, cities and small towns.
“This is a test of tenacity, endurance, logistics and innovation,” says Winstone Jordaan, Sasol Solar Challenge director and founder.
Dutch team Nuon will return in 2018 to defend their title and attempt to break their record from 2016 - when they covered 4 716km using only the power of the African sun.
“From humble beginnings with amateur local solar cars in 2008, the Sasol Solar Challenge is now a big international event which draws top global teams and is eagerly awaited by thousands of people in towns across SA,” says Jordaan.
Teams from South Africa, Australia, China, Japan, The Netherlands, and the USA are expected in 2018.
Their challenge is to travel as far as possible along a set route each day, maximising the energy they can draw from every ray of sunlight.
Stellenbosch hosts the finish line for the first time this year and the awards ceremony takes place in Cape Town on 30 September.
Most of the teams are from universities, and the event gives students the chance to apply their engineering education in a challenging environment.
The Sasol Solar Challenge is looking for volunteers along its route. Email the event office (admin@solarchallenge.org.za) if you would like to help.
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