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, anzet@proofafrica.co.za, www.proofafrica.co.za
Further reading:
Powering Africa’s industrial Leap at the 2026 Manufacturing Indaba
News
The 2026 Manufacturing Indaba is set to bring together stakeholders to explore how reliable energy can unlock Africa’s industrial future
Read more...
Siemens andDucati extend partnership to advance innovation in MotoGP
Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens Digital Industries Software has renewed its technical partnership agreement with Ducati, and detailed how the Siemens Xcelerator platform has been instrumental in helping the company to create increasingly powerful, safe and sustainable motorcycles.
Read more...
Your chance to make a difference by supporting UKZN’s SMART Lab research
News
UKZN’s SMART Lab is at the forefront of tackling international challenges through innovative, multidisciplinary solutions, and focuses on research that makes a tangible difference to society. Companies affiliated with the SAIMC now have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through sponsorships.
Read more...
Hitachi Energy named world’s leading supplier of grid automation products and services
News
Hitachi Energy has been recognised as the global market share leader in grid automation for electric power transmission and distribution utilities by ARC Advisory Group.
Read more...
Latest evolution in DesignSpark PCB design software
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has announced the local availability of DesignSpark PCB version 13, the latest evolution of its award-winning PCB design software.
Read more...
SKF earns top CDP ratings, reinforcing climate leadership
SKF South Africa
News
SKF has been awarded an A score in the 2024 CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment, placing the company among the global leaders in supplier climate action and transparency.
Read more...
South African project to tackle e-waste
News
Every year millions of electrical and electronic devices and appliances are thrown away. This e-waste can become a threat to both health and the environment if they are not disposed of and recycled properly. Limpopo recently launched its E-Waste for Youth Employment in Limpopo Province project in order to change this narrative.
Read more...
Hans Beckhoff receives German Mechanical Engineering Award
Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff has received the 2025 German Mechanical Engineering Award. This prestigious award honours entrepreneurs who have set standards in machine and system engineering, driven innovation, and taken on social responsibility.
Read more...
Safe solar light for 150 000 people across Africa
RS South Africa
News
RS Group has announced a partnership with international development charity, SolarAid to deliver clean, safe solar lights to 150 000 people living in rural communities across Africa without access to electricity.
Read more...
Regalvanising is a cornerstone of the circular economy
News
Steel can be regalvanised three to four times, effectively doubling the lifespan of key infrastructure for 30% of the replacement cost. That is why the Hot Dip Galvanisers Association of South Africa sees regalvanising as a cornerstone of the circular economy.
Read more...
printer friendly version