The 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge officially got underway on Thursday, 10 September, with teams departing from Boiketlong in Sasolburg amid palpable excitement from competitors and spectators alike. Crowds, teams, officials and dignitaries gathered early at the start line to watch each competing solar-powered vehicle officially take to South African roads for the first time in 2026. Tshwane University of Technology’s Sunchaser 4 led the field off the line in the Challenger class, followed by Genuine JV’s Voltwagen. The Cruiser and Innovations Classes followed shortly thereafter, with CUT Seilatsatsi and EVNXT setting the pace in their respective classes.
For many spectators, this was their first opportunity to see the solar cars in motion, and the atmosphere at the start line reflected the buzz and anticipation that has been building in the lead up to the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge’s opening day. Teams immediately faced their first real test: navigating South African traffic as they made their way out of Sasolburg and into busier surrounding areas – a reminder that the Sasol Solar Challenge tests not just solar engineering, but driving precision, and route strategy as well.
After making their way out of Sasolburg, teams meandered through the tricky-to-navigate Magaliesburg on their journey toward the day’s first control stop at Rustenburg High School. Here, amidst another edition of the School’s Programme, where over 500 learners were engaged in STEM activations and proceedings, teams had their first opportunity to complete additional distance loops, before heading to the Day 1 finish line at Swartruggens Dam.
After crossing the finish line for Day 1, it was Tshwane University of Technology who finished on top, driving a total of 275.2 km with their Sunchaser 4. Completing two loops at the control stop, TUT made a strong opening day statement to their competition, the closest of whom were AgniRath. With the Indian team hot on TUT’s heels with a total distance of 214.6 km for the day. Day one truly set the tone for what promises to be a closely contested and technically demanding event, as teams push their vehicles and their strategic planning to the limit across some of South Africa’s most varied and challenging terrain.
Follow the Solar Challenge Journey
To keep up with current news and events of the Sasol Solar Challenge, as well as gain better insight into the teams, the official Sasol Solar Challenge app can be downloaded or viewed on your browser. This will allow you to follow the teams every step of the way as they continue their journey across South Africa. The links to these are listed below:
Visit www.sasolsolarchallenge.co.za
Facebook: SASolarChallenge
Instagram: @sasolarchallenge
LinkedIn: Sasol Solar Challenge
