Get ready for an exciting glimpse into the future of transportation with the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge! With thrilling challenges and different racing categories, this event showcases the incredible potential of sustainable energy and inspires young minds worldwide.
We had a glimpse into a possible future of transport in Australia recently when the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge took place. With a 30-year history, the event provides a great opportunity to test solar powered cars developed by teams of students from over 30 countries.
Hans Tholstrap from Denmark came up with the idea of a solar race in 1982. He was interested in sustainable energy as a replacement for fossil fuels like petrol. He invented the world’s first solar car, a car powered just by the rays of the sun. He called his invention, ‘The Quiet Achiever’.
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge soon followed. The race covers 3,021 kilometres from Darwin in northern Australia to Adelaide in the south. Solar energy has to be the main power source for each vehicle. Today, over 40 teams from around the world spend five or six days travelling through the centre of the Australian continent.
The race takes place between in the morning and five in the afternoon. The speed of any car depends very much on the weather. The team has to make sure its vehicle travels at an optimum speed so that it is able to cover the maximum distance during racing time. At the end of each race day, teams must set up camp in the desert.
During each race day there are seven checkpoints. Team managers are able to receive updates on the latest weather. Basic maintenance checks are also allowed, like checking tyre pressure.
If you are interested in taking part, there are three racing categories:
- The Challenger Class, where teams try to create the fastest car;
- The Cruiser Class, where teams focus on efficiency and the practicality of their vehicle;
- The Non-Competitive Adventure Class, for teams who just want to enjoy the event.
For further information, please visit www.worldsolarchallenge.org
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VIDEO: Watch a solar car being built and raced on the racing track.
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