Japanese car wins World Solar Challenge in Australia (w/ Video)

October 28, 2009 Japanese car wins World Solar Challenge in Australia

Tokai Challenger

A Japanese sun-powered car won the World Solar Challenge on Wednesday after averaging speeds of more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour in a four-day race through Australia's desert Outback.

Organisers said the Tokai Challenger crossed the finish line in Adelaide, South Australia, at 3:39 pm local time, after 29 hours and 49 minutes' racing following Sunday's departure from the northern city of Darwin.

The futuristic Tokai put in a near-flawless run with only one flat tyre on the 3,000 kilometre race. Its nearest rivals were more than two hours behind and were due to battle it out for second place on Thursday.

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The team, from Tokai University, averaged 100.54 kilometres per hour to snap a four-race winning streak by the Netherlands' Nuon outfit. It is the first Japanese victory since Honda Dream II in 1993.

Japanese car wins World Solar Challenge in Australia
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The Infinium, from the University of Michigan, is in third place in Australia.

The World Solar Challenge, aimed at promoting environmentally friendly solar technology, started in 1987 and runs every two years.

More information: http://globalgreenchallenge.com.au/

Rate this story - 3.8 /5 (6 votes)

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VOR - Oct 28, 2009
- Rank: 5 / 5 (1)
I think we should call them solar-powered tricycles. (given thier ultra-light weight etc)
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david_42 - Oct 28, 2009
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Terminology hardly matters, as these vehicles are showcases for technology. It's nice to have them around as references for people who are unable to understand the limitations of solar.

Pity the source website is so badly design it's nearly impossible to find any of the details on the cars.

A little research shows that the winner had the highest efficiency cells available, which makes sense.
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