2014

In 2014 the North-West University designed and built a brand new solar car, Sirius X25, to take part in the Sasol Solar Challenge in South Africa. The NWU solar team managed to set a national record for the furthest distance travelled on a single day by a South African team, namely 416km. The team also improved on all their previous distances. In a nail-biting finish, the NWU managed an overall 4th position amongst the international teams, with the Dutch team, Nuon, taking first place and Tokai University in second place. The NWU finished in 2nd place amongst the South African teams, with the team of UKZN beating them by a mere 60km.

 

Race Info

Weight of car: 208 kg

Solar panel area: 6 m2

Distance travelled: 2360 km

Time travelled:  72 hours

Average speed:  32.7 km/h

Duration of race: 8 days

Date: 27 September – 4 October

Route:   Pretoria to Cape Town via Gariep Dam and Port Elizabeth

Awards:  

  • 4th overall position in class
  • 2nd position in class (South African teams)
  • Longest daily distance travelled by a South African team
  • Team communication award

 

 

Team Members

Albert Helbert                                                   

Arno de Beer

Pieter Brand                                                

Sumarie Brand

Armand Fourie

Raynard du Preez

Ryno du Preez

Aubrey Lotriet

WM Brits

Karlé Bell

Corneels Schabort

Corné Scheepers

Olympia Class Results (Four wheels)

Team Position Time (hours) Distance (kilometres) Average speed (km/h)
Nuon Solar Team, The Netherlands 1 72 4228 58.7
Anadolu Solar Team, Turkey 2 72 2733 38.0
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 3 72 2418 33.6
North-West University, South Africa 4 72 2360 32.8