If you see a few strange looking cars with solar panels on their roofs pottering around South African roads in September, don’t be alarmed.
They’re part of the Sasol Solar Challenge South Africa 2012, a countrywide endurance challenge of solar-powered cars.
Held bi-annually under the auspices of motorsport’s world governing body, the FIA, the eco challenge gathers teams from around the world to demonstrate the technology and performance of their super-sleek, high-tech solar cars.
The two-week long challenge will start in Pretoria on September 18 and will span approximately 5000km across the country.
Competitors will compete in stages with the winners determined by three different criteria - average time on each stage, average energy consumption, and the car’s average battery usage.
And besides regular four-wheeled vehicles, spectators can also expect to see two and three-wheelers.
Race director Winstone Jordaan said: “The Solar Challenge South Africa ranks as one of the top global events of its kind because of the unique South African terrain and will put solar technology to the ultimate test.”
As the challenge progresses the public will have the opportunity to check out the vehicles during rest stages, which the organisers hope will create a better understanding of the technology and benefits of solar power. - Star Motoring