Solar cars race towards the future in Australia
An epic 3,000 km solar car race kicked off on Sunday in Australia. As one of the world's foremost innovation challenges, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge demonstrates technology that could one power commercial cars.
Dutch pride in the Australian Outback
Nuon Solar Team vehicle "Nuna9" from the Netherlands leaves the start line as the 2017 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge begins on October 8. Teams from across the globe are competing in the 3,000 kilometer race through the Australian Outback between Darwin and Adelaide. The Dutch are the reigning champions.
Watch out for the Japanese
Japanese Kogakuin University's solar vehicle "Wing" speeds down the road in Katherine on the first day of the race. The race is expected to take about a week for most cars. The vehicles are powered solely by the sun and travel at a speed of 90 to 100 km per hour. Japan's Tokai University achieved the fastest time in 2009, completing the transcontinental race in only 29 hours and 49 minutes.
All want a piece of the future
South Africa is being represented by a solar car named SAV. Here, it can be seen dashing from the starting line in Darwin. Teams from the United States, Japan, Germany, Chile, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, Sweden, Iran, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, Canada, Taiwan and Australia are participating in the event, among others.
Brussels on the brink
The Punch Powertrain Solar Team car from Belgium moved into first place on Sunday after hitting an average speed of 83.4 km per hour over a distance of 2.97 km. This year's biennial event has attracted one of the best fields ever, with teams from more than 20 countries.
21 countries represented
The Mississippi Choctaw High School of the US is competing with this vehicle. Here, it can be seen speeding the track on the opening day of the 2017 World Solar Challenge. A total of 42 solar cars from 21 different countries started the race from Darwin to Adelaide.
Continuing solar innovation
Taiwan's National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences and St. John's University's solar car "Apollo VIII" leaves the start line. The race attracts teams from around the world, most of which are fielded by universities or corporations; although some are fielded by high schools. The World Solar Challenge started in 1987, and the last race was held in 2015.