South Africa’s roads will become a proving ground for solar-powered mobility, engineering ingenuity and the next generation of STEM talent. In just a few weeks, a grid of futuristic solar-powered cars will take on one of the world’s most remarkable road trips. From 10 to 17 September, the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge will see teams tackle more than 2 500 km across South Africa. While fiercely competitive, the Challenge is not a race for speed. It is a test of endurance, strategy and engineering, with teams challenged to keep their sun-powered vehicles moving day after day through demanding roads and unpredictable weather.
What makes the Challenge particularly compelling is the talent behind the cars. South African universities and independent innovators will compete alongside select international teams, showcasing homegrown engineering capability on a global stage. Each vehicle must be designed and built from the ground up by the team driving it, making every car a unique expression of engineering, innovation and determination.
Teams must cover between 250 and 300 km each day, balancing speed, energy use and route strategy as cloud cover, wind and heat become part of the equation. It is a real-world demonstration of how innovation, resilience and technical problem-solving come together to solve complex mobility challenges.
“The Sasol Solar Challenge brings innovation, science and human ingenuity together in a way that makes the future tangible,” says Nozipho Mlambo, Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships. “Our support reflects Sasol’s commitment to developing STEM talent, showcasing South African innovation and supporting the capabilities needed for the future of energy and mobility. Through the Challenge and its schools programme, we are helping to inspire young people to see themselves as the engineers, innovators and problem-solvers who will shape South Africa’s future.”
Inspiring the next generation
The Challenge extends beyond the road through its Schools Programme, designed to spark awareness, excitement and opportunity among learners in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
As the solar cars pass through designated Control Stop towns, industry leaders and field experts deliver hands-on activations covering solar technology, e-mobility and robotics. Learners use real toolkits and engage directly with STEM concepts, turning the journey into a practical learning experience.
In 2024, the Schools Programme reached more than 5 000 learners across towns along the route, many in rural locations where opportunities for hands-on STEM exposure can be limited. The programme aims to create meaningful early exposure to STEM and inspire future engineers, innovators and thought leaders.
Where it all begins
The excitement gets underway on 8 September with hot laps at Red Star Raceway, giving teams an opportunity to complete final checks and familiarise themselves with the track ahead of the cross-country journey.
The 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge officially kicks off on 9 September with a Public Expo and Schools Programme at Boiketlong Hall (Exhibition Area) from 09:00 to 15:00. On 10 September, the public can view the solar cars from 07:30, ahead of the official Challenge start at 09:00.
From there, teams will embark on the 10–17 September cross-country journey, travelling through multiple provinces before reaching Franschhoek for the final flag drop on 17 September. The Challenge concludes with a public vehicle expo in Paarl on 18 September, giving the public an opportunity to get up close to the innovative solar-powered vehicles.
More than a challenge
At its heart, the Sasol Solar Challenge is a showcase of southern African STEM talent and engineering resilience. It brings together technical ingenuity, strategy and grit while celebrating what young South Africans can achieve when given the opportunity to dream big and build boldly.
For Sasol, the Challenge provides a visible platform to advance innovation, develop STEM talent and showcase South African ingenuity in support of the future of energy, technology and mobility.
For more information, visit www.sasolsolarchallenge.co.za
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