Solar cars hit the road in Sasol Challenge

November 2016 News

On Saturday 24 September, the Sasol Solar Challenge kicked off when the new mayor of Tshwane waved the solar-powered cars over the start line at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The futuristic solar-powered cars were built by students from all over the world and included teams from South African universities and high schools. One local team from North-West University took to the hot tarmac despite an accident on the racetrack during scrutineering. The team, supported by many other Sasol Solar Challenge teams managed to repair the damage in time to make the start.

The challenge takes place over eight days between Pretoria and Cape Town, covering more than 2000 kilometres, with some teams clocking as many as 4000 kilometres on option loops on the routes. The aim is to cover as much distance as possible powered by the African sun.

The solar cars typically weigh around 200 kg and come up to knee height, with the distinctive solar panel arrays wrapped over the top of the vehicle. Each solar car has a single driver, and the vehicles are built for optimum aerodynamic efficiency.

The event, which is open to the public and media, is sponsored by Sasol as a showcase of cutting edge science and engineering. These highly competitive teams travel through the country, inspiring young South Africans to become engineers and scientists by choosing STEM subjects. The convoy of more than 350 people will move across the country to the finish in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront.

For more information contact Anzet du Plessis, Proof Communication Africa, +27 (0)83 557 2322, [email protected], www.proofafrica.co.za

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