Over a distance of some 3,000 kilometers, the Global Green Challenge is poised to show off some twenty electric, hybrid, alternative fuel, and low emission production and prototype vehicles in a test of durability and eco friendly performance, across an entire continent.
With major manufacturers including Suzuki, Holden, HSV, Ford, BMW mini, Hyundai, KIA and Skoda already entered ,the list of competing makes and models is bound to be impressive.
The world’s first production fully-electric high performance sports car, the Tesla is entered for the event alongside the only private school entry in the Eco Challenge category, Annesley College. There are also independent teams including Deep Green Research, Intex Holdings, Top Gear Magazine and Internode participating in the 2009 Eco Challenge.
There are now 38 pure solarcar powered registred to participate in the World Solar Challenge , with entries from 17 countries including Australia, USA, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Malaysia, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, India, Canada, Iran, Taiwan and Singapore.
The World Solar Challenge is a single stage event with competitors camping by the roadside at the end of each day.
Eco Challenge entrants will compete over set stages with overnight stops at Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, and Port Augusta.
Under regulations devised by the international motoring body the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) vehicles will be assessed against manufacturers carbon emission and fuel efficiency (consumption) claims.
Promoted by the South Australian Motor Sport Board and supported by the South Australian Government and the Government of the Northern Territory, the Global Green Challenge is sponosred by Australia’s largest privately owned broadband company Internode.