WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE (WSC)

The World Solar Challenge or the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge due to the sponsorship of Bridgestone Corporation is a biennial solar-powered car race which covers 3,021 km (1,877 mi) through the Australian Outback, from Darwin, Northern Territory to Adelaide, South Australia. The race attracts teams from around the world, most of which are fielded by universities or corporations although some are fielded by high schools. The race has a 20-year history spanning nine races, with the inaugural event taking place in 1987.  The objective of this competition is to promote research on solar-powered cars. Teams from universities and enterprises participate. In 2005, 22 teams from 11 countries entered the primary race category.

WSC HISTORY

The idea for the WSC originated with Danish-born adventurer Hans Tholstrup. In the 1980s, he became aware of the necessity to explore sustainable energy as a replacement for the limited available fossil fuel. Sponsored by BP, he designed the world's first solar car, called The Quiet Achiever, and traversed the 4,052 km (2,518 mi) between Sydney, New South Wales and Perth, Western Australia in 20 days. After the 4th event, Hans sold the rights to the state of South Australia and leadership of the race was assumed by Chris Selwood.

By 2005 the cars has become so fast that several teams were handicapped by the South Australian speed limit of 110 km/h (68 mph). Support crews had difficulties keeping up with the  fastest race vehicles. It was generally agreed that the challenge of building a solar vehicle capable of crossing Australia at vehicular speeds had been met and exceeded. 

A new challenge was set: to build a generation of solar car that with little modification, could be the basis for a practical proposition for sustainable transport. This is nearer the formula we are promoting for the Cannonball EV series.

Entrants to the 2007 race chose between racing in the Adventure and Challenge classes. Challenge class cars were restricted to 6 square meters of solar collectors (25% reduction), driver access and egress were required to be unaided, seating position upright, steering controlled with a steering wheel, and many new safety requirements were added. Competitors have to adhere to the new 130 km/h (81 mph) speed limit across the Northern Territory portion of the Stuart Highway.

The 2007 WSC event featured a Greenfleet class of non-solar energy-efficient vehicles exhibiting their fuel efficiency. This is in direct competition with the International EV Cannonball events that take over where the WSC leaves off.

GOOGLE SUGGESTED ROUTE - National Highway 87 & Stuart Hwy  3,027 km, 35 hours

Driving directions to Adelaide SA, Australia

Darwin NT Australia

1.  Head northeast on Knuckey St toward Austin Ln            450.0 km
2.  Turn right onto McMinn St                                            240.0 km
3.  Turn left onto Tiger Brennan Drive                                 18.2 km
4.  Continue onto National Highway 1                                  15.5 km
5.  Slight right to stay on National Highway 1                      556.0 km
6.  Continue onto National Highway 87 
     Go through 2 roundabouts                                           918.0 km
7.  Turn right onto Stuart National Highway 87 
     (signs for Route 87/Adelaide) Continue to 
     follow Stuart Hwy Entering South Australia                   1,212.0 km
8.  Turn left onto National Highway A1 294 km
9.  Slight left to stay on National Highway A1                          2.3 km
10. Continue straight to stay on 
      National Highway A1                                                    650.0 km
11. Continue straight to stay on National 
      Highway A1                                                                    6.4 km
12. Slight right onto Main North Rd/National 
      Highway A1 Continue to follow Main North Rd                    1.3 km
13. Slight left onto O'Connell St                                          850.0 km
14. Continue onto King William Rd                                          2.1 km
15. Slight left onto Victoria Square                                      350.0 km
16. Turn right to stay on Victoria Square                               75.0 km
17. Take the 1st right to stay on Victoria Sq                        180.0 km
18. Turn right to stay on Victoria Square                               67.0 km

Adelaide SA Australia

DARWIN to ADELAIDE - 2017 CANNONBALL RUN  MILES

CANNONBALL INTERNATIONAL OFFICIAL ROUTES

LINKS & REFERENCE

http://www.worldsolarchallenge.org/

http://www.discovery-campervans.com.au/adelaidedarwin.php

http://www.familyonabike.org/other%20info%20pages/awards.html

http://www.endtoenders.co.uk/

https://maps.google.com/

VAUXHALL AMPERA endurance ev attempt 2010_ampera_e-revs

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_27-5-2010-12-26-15

http://www.formaplex.com/news/formaplex-launches-electric-car-world-record-attempt/

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/racing-green-endurance-srzero-electric-car-to-make-16-000-mile-t/

http://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/end-to-end/

http://www.discoveradventure.com/challenges/land-s-end-to-john-o-groats-cycle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land%27s_End_to_John_o%27_Groats

An event for adventure capitalists

It's about time we had an EV compatible with battery or hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Ecostar DC50 by Bluebird Marine Systems Ltd may well be the vehicle that changes all that from 2015.