Solar-Powered Journey Reaches Thrilling Conclusion in Adelaide

An impressive 42 teams from 24 countries took part in the 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, with Nuon Solar Team crowned back-to-back champions of the unique event. 

The crowd waited with baited breath to see who would be first to the line on October 22, and erupted upon seeing Nuna8 and a sea of orange shirts approaching Victoria Square.

This is the Dutch team’s sixth win since the event’s inception in 1987. 

Solar Team Twente, also from the Netherlands, reached the finish line second, closely followed by Tokai University from Japan. 

They endured heat, wind and humidity to make the 3,000km journey from Darwin to Adelaide, using only solar energy to power their vehicles.

Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Andrew Moffatt said the passion and dedication displayed by the teams was outstanding. 

“Seeing what these young people can do with technology has been absolutely incredible,” Mr Moffatt said.

“They dedicate two years of their lives to this event and the knowledge they gain and friendships they make are invaluable to their development. They’re creating the sustainable solutions we’ll need in the future and truly pushing the boundaries of innovation.

“Congratulations to Nuon Solar Team and everyone who participated in the 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge – you are all winners in our eyes. Thank you also to the many volunteers who have helped make this event such a success.”

In addition to being the title sponsor, Bridgestone supplied specially produced tyres to 19 teams that participated in this year’s event. The Ecopia with ologic technology tyres were tested during the 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and, incredibly, the same technology is now on Australian roads – with Bridgestone’s Ecopia EP500 tyres fitted as original equipment on the BMWi3.

Bridgestone Australia’s support of the 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge was part of a company-wide corporate social responsibility initiative called Tomorrow Matters.

“At Bridgestone, our commitment to the community extends far beyond providing safe, quality tyres. We believe it’s our responsibility to do what we can to create a bright and sustainable future for generations to come,” Mr Moffatt said.

“This year’s Bridgestone World Solar Challenge has proven that once again that when we invest in technology and our young people in a meaningful way, great things can be achieved.”

For more information about Bridgestone’s involvement in the 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge,
please click here.

For official results click here.