While the solar energy continues to be a very present reality on rooftops in Brazil, in other countries the technology is not only used as a means of transport, but is also the main tool a traditional competition and that lasts for almost four decades.
Among the October 22nd to 29th, pilots from all over the planet will participate in the 36ª edition of World Solar Challenge: a solar-powered car race that covers a 3.000 km route in Australia, between the cities of Darwin and Adelaide.
A first race official event was held in 1987 and, since then, teams supported by universities invest in development of solar powered cars cutting edge to find out who the best team is. In the race, the different teams be divided into three classes different from vehicles. They are:
Challenger Class: vehicles are designed to complete the 3.000 kilometers in the most efficient way possible and the seller is the one who crosses the finish line in Adelaide before the others. In this category, vehicles can be a maximum of 5 meters long by 2,2 meters wide, with an attached solar panel measuring up to four square meters.
Cruiser Class: Vehicles focus on practicality, being judged on a range of factors such as design and performance. In this modality, pilots will also have to complete three stages of the race, of 1.200 km each, and without taking a break to recharge. The vehicles must have the same dimensions as the Challenge Class, with the difference that the solar panel can be attached up to five square meters.
Adventure Class: This third and final class is open to all concepts. It allows vehicles from previous editions of the World Solar Challenge to compete again.
