Tokai University Wins 2009 Global Green Challenge in Solar Car Equipped with Sharp Solar Cells

Driving a solar car equipped with Sharp compound solar cells, the Tokai University team won the Global Green Challenge, one of the world’s largest solar car races.

On October 25, the solar car team from Tokai University began its impressive run from Darwin in the north of Australia to Adelaide in the south, covering the approximately 3,000 kilometers at an average speed of about 100 kilometers per hour.

The team’s journey ended at 2:39 p.m. (local time) on October 28, when its car, the Tokai Challenger, crossed the finish line in first place, well ahead of the second-place finisher. The event continues until October 31 and the awards ceremony is to be held on the same day.

The high performance of Sharp’s solar cell was proven by the amazing drive of the Tokai University team, including Kenjiro Shinozuka, Japan’s leading rally driver.

Overview of the Global Green Challenge

Overview of Tokai University Team

The team, named Tokai University Challenge Center Team, is led by Professor Hideki Kimura, who researches high-efficiency solar cars at Tokai University School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The team for this year’s race is made up of 19 members, mostly students.

Tokai University Team