The Netherlands came out tops in the biannual Sasol Solar Challenge, pulling into Cape Town on Saturday afternoon. Ten teams, including 6 local universities, two schools and teams from Cyprus, Turkey and the Netherlands participated. They travelled across some of the most gruelling terrain in South Africa. More than 5 000 km zigzagging their way from the north to the south of the country. The winner was determined by how much time was spent on the road covering kilometres, often driving loops to clock more kilometres. Making up the most at nearly 6 000 km was the Dutch experts with their Nuna 7s car. Solar cars can reach speeds of up to 160km/h, but at this speed they are not very efficient so normally the speed is determined by the team’s strategy,” said Winstone Jordaan, Sasol Solar Challenge Director.
“With many teams suffering setbacks, success at the finish was determined by overcoming the daily difficulties and fighting ahead regardless. And after all, in true African spirit, the teams came together to dance and sing at the finish,” he continued.
The first local team was the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). They are now aiming for the World Solar Challenge to be held in Australia next year.