The 2009 Global Green Challenge

On 25th of October, thirty-two teams gathered in Darwin, Australia to compete in the 2009 Global Green Challenge - A biennial, 1,860 mile race, in which environmentally-friendly cars, vie against each other, under the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback.

The race, started 22 years ago, spans across the entire continent, ending in Adelaide . Originally dubbed 'World Solar Challenge', the name was changed this year, to include another race - 'Eco Challenge' - a shorter route that allows other 'green' vehicles like electric cars, hybrids and experimental cars to participate.

However, the two categories are kept separate and it is the solar-powered cars that attract the most attention - not only do they look cooler, but they are also mostly the inventions of university students from some of the world's top institutions.

This year's entries included teams from University of Stanford, Michigan and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from the USA, Cambridge University in England and a number of other prestigious Universities, from all over the world.

Five-time champions, Nuon Solar team from the Netherlands were considered the favorites to win, with their entry NUNA V. However, it was not to be. Instead they were forced to succumb to a one-passenger vehicle - The Tokai Challenger built by Japan's, Tokai University.

The sleek futuristic-looking vehicle was equipped with 2,176 solar cells, laid across a surface area of 65 sq.ft. Built with cells made of rare materials normally used in making satellites, the car had only one aim - To drive across Australia as fast as possible, using only solar power. And drive it did - crossing the entire distance with a top speed of 93mph, using just 1.8KW of energy or half that used by a standard electric kettle!

The NUNA V from the Netherlands and Infinium from University of Michigan, came in second and third respectively. Belgium's entry to the event, Umicar Inspire crashed on the first day after losing control in a gust of wind, and had to be withdrawn from the race.

The Eco Challenge category, which includes alternative fuel cars that are currently in production, attracted 17 entries from car companies like Tesla, Ford, Kia and Honda. The car from Tesla Motors, completed the 313 mile distance on a single charge with 3 miles of range still left, setting a new record for an electric vehicle, that is currently available in the market. To view more videos from this fun event check out globalgreenchallenge.com.

sources:greendaily.com,dailymail.co.uk, solarchallenge.co.za,caradvice.com.au