Day One of the 2024 Sasol Solar Challenge

The inaugural day of the Sasol Solar Challenge started with teams full of excitement and enthusiasm as they embark on their 8-day journey across the country to showcase their innovative designs, sustainable mobility and durability while encouraging the youth to partake in STEM-related fields.

As the teams journeyed from Secunda to their first control stop at Ho?r Volks Skool Heidelberg, Heidelberg - which is 101.6 kms away from the starting line, for a school’s programme activation – they interacted with the different learners from the school and the surrounding schools in nearby communities and town by showcasing their solar cars and presenting microbotics (small electronic circuits) to the learners, explaining their necessity in our everyday lives, especially the future.

The learners were engaged and interacted with the teams seeking to understand how solar panels worked on the solar cars, one learner asked; “What happens when it is not sunny?” The team explained to the whole group of the learners that solar cars need light to operate, and the sun makes them much easier to operate.

Italian Team, Onda Solare finished on top by 194 kms followed closely by South African team EVNXT in the Cruiser and Innovation Class.

Innoptus Solar Team finished on top in the Challenger Class by 489.2 kms, followed by Brunel Solar Team who tied with Solar Team Twente by 452.3 kms.

The event organiser, Rob Walker expressed his pride in the teams' efforts and resilience for day one, emphasising that challenges like these are part of the learning process in the pursuit of innovation.

As the first day comes to a close, teams are already strategising and preparing for tomorrow’s events.

The Sasol Solar Challenge continues to be a platform for creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates as the competition unfolds over the coming days by using this hashtag #SasolSolarChallenge