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:
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
100 years of safety leadership
News
DEKRA Industrial and its adult-based education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL) will showcase a milestone at A-OSH 2025, as the company celebrates DEKRA Global’s 100 years of safety leadership.
Read more...
Drakenstein Municipality aces Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape has won a Sustainability Impact Award for Schneider Electric’s Anglophone Africa region, shining the spotlight on its unwavering commitment to sustainable leadership and its forward-thinking approach to ensuring a sustainable future for its coming generations.
Read more...
LH Marthinusen launches new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory
News
LH Marthinusen has launched its new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Ekurhuleni. THis is a major milestone for South African energy infrastructure growth.
Read more...
Comtest calibration user group seminar
Comtest
News
Comtest invites metrology and calibration professionals to a focused technical seminar series aimed at demystifying some of the most common hurdles in inter-laboratory comparisons.
Read more...
Functional safety explained
News
The SAIMC supports Pepperl+Fuchs, a National Member, in a free four-part online seminar series focused on Functional Safety.
Read more...
The future of manufacturing in Africa
News
The future and development of African manufacturing will be discussed extensively at the upcoming Manufacturing Indaba conference, to be hosted on 15 to 16 July 2025 at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre.
Read more...
Hot topics at IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
Burning issues such as climate-smart infrastructure, sustainability in waste and water management, the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility will come under discussion at the three-day conference and forum presented by analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 8 to 10 July 2025.
Read more...
RS South Africa showcases industrial solutions at MTE Phalaborwa
News
RS South Africa recently showcased its latest industrial and electronic solutions at the Mining and Technical Exhibition in Phalaborwa in Limpopo.
Read more...
Specialised Exhibitions appoints Joshua Low as commercial director for Africa
News
Specialised Exhibitions has appointed Joshua Low as commercial director for Africa. This strategic addition to the leadership team comes as Specialised Exhibitions embarks on an ambitious phase of growth across the African continent.
Read more...
printer friendly version