Solar-Power Cars Set Off
Across Australian Outback
September 26, 2005 — By Reuters
SYDNEY — Twenty-two bug-shaped solar cars
designed and built by corporations and universities from around the world
set out across the vast, inhospitable Australian outback on Sunday in the
eighth World Solar Challenge.
Japan's Sky Ace Tiga car, from the Ashiya University in Osaka, led off after
qualifying fastest for the 3,000 km (1,860 miles) race across the centre of
Australia from the tropical north city of Darwin to Adelaide in South
Australia.
Ashiya University's Professor Kunio Nakagawa said his team's car, one of the
race favourites, was capable of speeds averaging 95 kph (59 mph).
"The first target is hoping to finish this race with safety and the second
target is to get a top-three position," Nakagawa told Australian
Broadcasting Corp. radio.
Dutch team Nuna 3 returns after winning the past two races in 2001 and 2003
and is joined by entrants from 10 other countries, including the United
States, France and Canada.
Nuna 3 set the race-record time of 30 hours 54 minutes in 2003.
Race leaders were expected to reach Adelaide by mid-week.
The race was devised as a challenge to design and build solar-powered cars
using the most innovative application of alternative energy and transport
technologies.
Source: Reuters |