Day 5 | Teams battle on the road to Augrabies
Day 5 presented one of the toughest challenges of the event as adverse weather conditions impacted the route from Olifantshoek to Upington. Several teams attempted to continue despite rain and overcast conditions, while others strategically elected to trailer their vehicles to preserve energy and equipment. A significant development was the withdrawal of the CUT Seilatsatsi team following an internal motor failure that damaged key vehicle components beyond repair, highlighting the demanding nature of the Challenge. Despite the difficult conditions, teams demonstrated resilience and adaptability as they navigated the unpredictable weather and continued their push north towards Augrabies.
Day 6 | Solar Energy racers shine on the road to Springbok
The journey from Augrabies to Springbok tested both endurance and strategy, with teams facing one of the longest single-day stints of the competition. An optional “Unlimited Loop” stage provided an opportunity for competitors to extend their distance, with EVNXT covering the greatest additional distance on the loop. The standout story of the day was the remarkable recovery by Solar Energy Racers, who rebounded from earlier setbacks to top the daily leaderboard after covering 355 km. While Tshwane University of Technology maintained its overall lead, Day 6 showcased the competitive spirit and determination of teams as they continued battling for honours heading into the final stretch of the Challenge.
Day 7 | Teams push through Springbok mist ahead of the final day
Heavy mist and low cloud greeted competitors on the penultimate day of the Challenge, reducing visibility and limiting opportunities for solar charging. Teams were required to carefully manage their battery reserves while navigating mountainous terrain between Springbok and Clanwilliam. At the Vanrhynsdorp control stop, teams completed multiple loops, with Solar Energy Racers achieving the day’s highest distance of 371.5 km. The stop also hosted the Sasol Solar Challenge Schools Programme, providing local learners with hands-on STEM experiences and exposure to solar vehicle technology. As teams arrived in Clanwilliam, Tshwane University of Technology retained the overall lead by just over 500 km, setting the stage for an exciting final day to Franschhoek
Follow the Solar Challenge Journey
To keep up with current news and events of the Sasol Solar Challenge, as well as gain better insight into the teams, the official Sasol Solar Challenge app can be downloaded or viewed on your browser. This will allow you to follow the teams every step of the way as they continue their journey across South Africa.
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