Cars of tomorrow, many packed with features you can expect to see on our driving horizon, were on show today in Adelaide’s Victoria Square.

The 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge CSIRO Cruiser Class category was judged today by an expert panel of adjudicators including industry leaders, BWSC alumni and faculty, climate change advocates, and media representatives. The Cruiser Class was introduced to bridge the gap between high end technology and everyday driving practicality. CSIRO Cruiser Class cars are judged on energy efficiency, passenger kilometres travelled, and design criteria that include interior comfort, features, and desirability. Judges were asked how likely would you be to consider buying this car? 

Despite all competing to the same set of regulations, designs varied significantly from Thailand’s colourful STC-4 reflecting Thai identity in white, red, and blue inspired by the Siamese betta fish; to Italy’s stylish sports coupe, Estonia’s Solaride 2 made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic with gullwing doors; China’s Sun Shuttle IV a light weight, 4 seater; Australia’s Sunswift 7 in racing green carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and carbon-fibre body; fellow Aussies from Flinders University in two-seater Investigator Mk IV, and Deakin Uni’s stylish ASCEND ; USA’s Gaia, their 15^th in team history; Hong Kong’s Sophie 8 with customised motor system, Taiwan’s Apollo IX in their two-passenger sports car. 

From the field of 10 Cruisers, only five were able to complete the full first stage under solar power and meet critical time windows before re-charging In Tennant Creek. Then battling unprecedented headwinds, for the first time in its history, none of the teams were able to complete the arduous second stage. This on-road component, will now be calculated from the first stage, followed by today’s practicality judging. Australia’s Sunswift, carrying four passengers for much of the journey is clearly ahead on energy efficiency points, with podium places still to be decided by the judging.

Event Director Chris Selwood AM said today’s judging by our eminent panel of experts will consider this incredibly diverse field. The outcome will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Sunday night.

Festivities continue over the weekend at the BWSC Village and Victoria square and include:

• Solar electric cars on display
• RAA EV Drive Experience – take an electric vehicle for a test drive
• Experience the solar car street parade 3pm Sunday from Victoria Square to Victoria Park

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