The South African Sasol Solar Challenge is a biennial competition that strives to be the ultimate test of technology and innovation. Local and international teams conceptualise, design and build solar-powered vehicles to drive across South Africa in an eight-day event while competing against each other, demonstrating and showcasing their design, manufacturing, and strategy skills.
The challenge travels from Johannesburg to Cape Town via Jeffreys Bay, with the ultimate winner being the team that has managed to clock the most kilometres on their solar car.
There are three separate participation classes that teams can enter in, each with different rules and objectives.
Challenger Class
Vehicles entered in this class are built for optimal efficiency and endurance. Design criteria defining this class includes:
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Maximum Length = 5 m |
Maximum Width = 2.2 m |
Maximum Solar Array = 4 m² |
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Number of Wheels = 3+ |
Occupancy = 1 (driver/s) |
Charging = Solar |
Cruiser Class
Vehicles entered in this class are built for practicality and everyday applicability.
Design criteria defining this class includes:
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Maximum Length = 5 m |
Maximum Width = 2.2 m |
Maximum Solar Array = 5 m² |
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Number of Wheels = 4 |
Occupancy = 1 (driver/s) + at least 1 passenger |
Charging = Solar |
This vehicle class is also given the opportunity to charge electrically via EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) which results in a score reduction equivalent to the duration spent charging via external power sources.
Adventure Class
Vehicles entered in this class are those not conforming to Challenger or Cruiser Class regulations and are also classified as non-competitive. This class is however still deemed important as strange and wonderful innovations are brought to life through previously competing vehicles or brand new designs that challenge the way we think about the future of mobility.
The solar car teams are run like professional racing teams, raising money to compete, doing their own marketing and logistics, and analysing the route's weather, road conditions and more. Along the route, the Sasol Solar Challenge draws thousands of spectators and inspires technology enthusiasts and future engineers.
The Sasol Solar Challenge is run and owned by a management team of experienced events professionals. See Contact Us for more information.