Solar Challenge set to scorch in historic winter timeslot

With less than 100 days to go until the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), the world’s greatest innovation and engineering challenge, teams at home and around the world are in countdown mode for the ultimate race for climate change solutions. Official registrations released today, World Environment Day, show a culturally diverse field of 37 teams from 18 countries, regions and economies united in their drive to a more sustainable future. More than 1200 participants, supporters, industry partners, renewables and climate change experts from the world’s leading universities and high-tech industry sectors, will travel from as far as the Americas, Scandinavia, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.

 

For the first time the BWSC will shift from its traditional mid-October timeslot, to 24 – 31 August, the end of the Australian winter with an expected 20% less sun! Early forecasts from around the globe predict cool runnings in this unique 3,000-kilometre race from Darwin to Adelaide, even without the sun shining directly overhead.

 

First time teams from Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and USA high schoolers will join high flying international ‘top guns’, emerging teams and a strong home-grown contingent of six Australian teams. South Australia will be represented by newly merged team from University of Adelaide and UniSA (AUSRT); and the South Australian Solar Vehicle Association, including teachers and students from Findon Technical College. Victorian team, DUST from Deakin University; the ANU team from Canberra; Sunswift from the University of NSW, and the Western Sydney Solar Team from Western Sydney University, round out the Aussie contingent.

 

Complementing this world class field, the BWSC program of events in Darwin and Adelaide will feature climate change and renewable energy experts from around the world, including Danny Kennedy, champion and advocate for clean energy and climate protection.

 

Forward thinking partners recognise the role the BWSC plays in testing technology, shaping careers, and driving innovation. For more than a decade, the event’s title partner, Bridgestone, has showcased its commitment to the growing global demand for sustainable motoring.

The BWSC also welcomes back major partners Northern Territory Major Events Company , Eagers Automotive, CSIRO, Hilton Adelaide, Maughan Thiem, McLaughlin CB, RAA, Rinstrum, Science Alive, Simba Car Hire, Solcast,  Starlink, Tesla Careers, and celebrates new partnerships with Ansys, Smart Group, and Toyota, the world’s largest automobile manufacturer and pioneer in hybrid and renewable mobility.

 

BWSC Ambassador, Chris Selwood AM, said ‘I expect this year’s event to be one of the most closely contested with teams looking for the ‘one percenter’ on the way to the finish line and beyond.

 

In the Toyota Challenger Class 30 high-tech, aerodynamic speed machines will attempt to outpace 2 x Belgian Champions, Innoptus Solar Team, whose retractable fin was a ‘one percenter’ in 2023 – their new double fin looks even more impressive this year. The historically dominant Dutch teams are all revealing game changing new tech; as are the fiercely competitive Japanese teams are known for their innovation; US Solar Champions, University of Michigan, bring a 35-year wealth of experience; a strong Nordic contingent reflects the escalating climate crisis in their region; and exciting teams from Germany, Switzerland, Romania, Hungary are all keen to make their mark.

 

In the Cruiser Class of concept solar electric vehicles, an equally diverse field from Australia, Europe, Asia and USA will compete in a single stage for the first time. These cars of tomorrow, packed with features you can expect to see on our driving horizon, will be judged in Darwin, with the highest design scores awarded time advantages.

 

I’m excited to welcome everyone to the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in August.’

 

The Hon. Susan Close, Deputy Premier of South Australia said:

“With about 75 per cent of our state’s energy coming from renewables, South Australia is a not only a global leader in decarbonisation but an inspiring home base for the BWSC. The State is on track to achieve our target of net 100 per cent renewables by 2027, in what would be a fitting celebration for the BWSC 40th anniversary in 2027.

 

The BWSC is a bridge between education and industry. It provides unique real-world experience, and strengthens skill sets and talent pathways for next generation innovators. It provides a global and local platform to connect and engage industry, build our workforce, and attract future talent. It aligns with our renewable future and focus on climate change solutions by encouraging STEM skills and next-gen ideation.”

 

Hon Marie-Clare Boothby NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality; Major Events:

“We’re excited to welcome guests from across the globe to the Northern Territory, with more than 1,200 participants gathering in Darwin to embark on the big journey to Adelaide.
School and industry engagement activities in Darwin and along the route south will give people a chance to explore innovative technology up-close and inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. Travelling 3,000km in a solar powered vehicle across Australia’s outback through some of the world’s most remote landscapes and communities will be an incredible experience. I wish everyone participating in the challenge all the best on their journey – travel safe.”

 

Hiroshi Imai, Vice President and Senior Officer, Motorsports Tire Development, Bridgestone said:

“The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) is the ultimate engineering challenge, shaping the future of mobility. This unique event serves as a mobile laboratory for the participating teams, engineers, and Bridgestone. To empower the event and to make it more sustainable, we will supply tyres equipped with our 2025 ENLITEN technology, which incorporates more than 65% recycled and renewable materials, tailored for solar cars, to 33 teams from 17 locations. Through this challenge, Bridgestone will support participants in their pursuit of energy efficiency, while showcasing our commitment to innovation in sustainable mobility. Furthermore, this challenge fuels our passion for future initiatives in sustainable global motorsport.”

 

Joe Mullen, Senior Manager, Toyota Central Region said:

“Toyota Australia is thrilled to join as a partner of the BWSC – a fantastic initiative which challenges bright minds from across the world to come up with innovative ways to harness renewable energy for vehicle mobility. This exciting event resonates with Toyota’s commitment to achieving decarbonisation through a range of different powertrain solutions, as well as the fostering of young talent who will be pivotal in ensuring a sustainable future for all.’