Share this @internewscast.com
Daniel Blik has travelled to Australia from the Netherlands to take part in a race in which his hi-tech vehicle will likely be overtaken by grey nomads towing caravans.
Luckily, it’s not the hope of lightning-fast speed that draws competitors from around the world to Australia to take part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
The manager of Solar Team Twente from the Netherlands told SBS News that the event is more than just a race.
“For us, it’s very important to show that there are other modes of transport available and that actual sustainable mobility is an option,” he said. 

Almost 40 sun-powered cars will set off from Darwin on Sunday as part of the challenge.

About two dozen people with their hands in the air standing in front of a sign that reads "Welcome to the Northern Territory," as well as a solar vehicle ppositioned in front of them.

Teams from around the world, mostly affiliated with universities, have gathered in Darwin to kick off the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Source: Supplied / Timo Hoogewoonink

All of the vehicles taking part have been designed, engineered and built by the teams racing them.

The course, which covers just over 3,000 kilometres through the Australian outback, from the Darwin to Adelaide, takes place every two years.
The event aims to promote the development of energy-efficient transport as part of global decarbonisation efforts.
It often attracts teams from international universities and technical institutes as well as private entrepreneurs.

Vehicles compete within three different ‘classes’, allowing a variety of technology to be showcased.

Kevin van der Putte is a member of the Innoptus Solar Team from Belgium, which topped the competition’s ‘challenger’ class in both 2023 and 2021.
Their vehicle completed the course travelling at an average speed of 88 km per hour.
“Our solar car is a really aerodynamic car, it’s super light, it only weighs around 70 kilograms, purely made out of carbon,” he said.

“And it also doesn’t require fuel, so it only uses the energy of the sun.” 

Jules Teeuwen will be behind the wheel for the Brunel Solar Team from the Netherlands.
He said conditions in the car posed challenges to drivers.
“It’s not very comfortable, in fact, in previous editions, we measured temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, and you can also lose up to five kilos of sweat after one drive of the solar car,” Teeuwen said.
The event continues until 31 August, giving teams just over a week to complete the challenge.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Relationship irreparably broke down': Barnaby Joyce to leave the Nationals

Barnaby Joyce Parts Ways with the Nationals After Irreparable Breakdown

Barnaby Joyce, the former deputy prime minister and a prominent figure within…
Laine Bradley contracted measles as a baby during a trip to Sydney.

Tragic Loss: Measles Claims Life as Anti-Vaxxers Protest at Funeral

Laine Bradley was only 10 months old when she came down with…

Trump’s Explosive Rant Escalates US-Venezuela Tensions: What You Need to Know

US President Donald Trump said that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not…

Trump’s Surprising Stance: Why Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine are Off the Table

Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a deal with…
Stars are no stranger to elaborate death hoaxes, and hitmaker Bon Jovi quickly saw the funny side of claims that he'd met his demise back in 2011

Shocking Celebrity Death Hoaxes: Bon Jovi, Denise Welch, and Tom Cruise Among Stars Targeted by Viral Internet Pranks After Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s ‘Disturbing’ Fake News

In the world of fame and fortune, celebrities often find themselves at…

Honoring Dr. Charles Perkins: Reflecting on His Legacy 25 Years After His Passing

This article contains references/and or images of a deceased Aboriginal person. Twenty-five…

Barnaby Joyce Announces Departure: Will Not Seek Re-Election in Upcoming Nationals Contest

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has quit the party, citing fractured relationships…
'Poor choice of words': Queensland Premier walks back stabbing remark

Queensland Premier Clarifies Controversial Comment on Stabbing Incident

At a Newscorp event in Brisbane, David Crisafulli addressed strategies to entice…

Trans Women in NT Prisons Fight Back Against Controversial Ban Proposal: A Deep Dive into the Struggle for Rights and Dignity

Advocates in the Northern Territory have strongly criticised Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro’s…

Prince Andrew Surrenders Title as Epstein Connection Faces Renewed Examination

Prince Andrew has renounced his title of Duke of York and other…
Australia Post

Australian’s Creative Attempt to Avoid Post Office Ends in Unexpected Twist

An Australia Post patron found themselves puzzled after a crucial parcel failed…

Hamas Returns Remains of Israeli Hostage from Gaza: Latest Developments in Ongoing Conflict

Hamas has handed over the body of another Israeli hostage, the militant…