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

Further reading:

OMRON Robotics and COMAU to collaborate on expanding advanced industrial automation solutions
Omron Electronics News
COMAU and OMRON Robotics have signed a strategic collaboration agreement aimed at accelerating the adoption and deployment of advanced industrial automation solutions for manufacturers worldwide.

Read more...

---

RS South Africa marks 30 years of enabling industry and innovation
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of supporting local industry, enabling innovation and building strong customer partnerships across the country.

Read more...

---

Africa’s AI ambitions face critical infrastructure questions
Schneider Electric South Africa News
As AI investment accelerates globally, Africa is increasingly being viewed as the industry’s next major growth frontier. The continent’s AI ambitions will ultimately depend on its ability to solve one critical challenge: infrastructure readiness.

Read more...

---

SKF South Africa celebrates 112 years in rotating asset optimisation
SKF South Africa News
Commemorating 112 years of innovation, premium quality products, cutting-edge technologies and enduring partnerships, SKF South Africa in 2026 enters a defining chapter in strategic rotating asset optimisation.

Read more...

---

Five reasons why female engineers in SA should become professionally registered
News
According to award-winning engineer and CEO of AvenirHoldings, Tshidi Mndzebele, professional registration is one of the most important steps female engineers can take to strengthen and advance their careers.

Read more...

---

Closing the energy efficiency gap at SKF’s Tech & Innovation Summit
SKF South Africa News
SKF is hosting its yearly virtual Tech & Innovation Summit, bringing together industry leaders and experts to showcase technologies, products and solutions designed to help close the energy efficiency gap in industrial operations.

Read more...

---

Appointment
News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Scott Hayward as support technician.

Read more...

---

Mining sector turns to private renewables
News
As the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its permanent phase and global buyers tighten emissions disclosure requirements, South African mining operations are accelerating the integration of privately contracted renewable power into their energy mix.

Read more...

---

Appointment
Beckhoff Automation News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Luzuko Bulembu as technical support engineer.

Read more...

---

From the editor's desk: You could be doing what?
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
Humanoid robots are increasingly featuring in the news. Some of them are a bit creepy, some make you anxious because they might take your job, but others are a lot of fun, and they’re getting better ...

Read more...

---