In the leadup to the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia this October, most cars have been revealed (see my recently updated illustrated list of teams), with JU’s reveal a few days ago (see below), and Tokai’s reveal due in a few hours.
There are now 9 international teams in Australia (more than the number of local teams). Eindhoven (#40), Agoria (#8), and part of Vattenfall (#3) are driving north to Darwin, while Top Dutch (#6) have a workshop in Port Augusta (and living quarters in Quorn).
The chart below shows progress in submitting compulsory design documents for the race. White numbers highlight eight teams with no visible car or no visible travel plans:
- #86 Sphuran Industries Private Limited (Dyuti) – this team is probably not a serious entry. I will eat my hat if they turn up in Darwin.
- #63 Alfaisal Solar Car Team
– recently, they have gone rather quiet, but they have a working car. - #89 Estidamah – they have not responded to questions. They also might not turn up, although they have obtained several greens for compulsory documents.
- #80 Beijing Institute of Technology – they never say much, but they always turn up in the end. I don’t expect this year to be any different.
- #4 Antakari Solar Team
– they are clearly behind schedule, but they are an experienced team. They will probably turn up. (edit: they have revealed a beautiful bullet car) - #55 Mines Rabat Solar Team
– they seem to have run out of time. Can they finish the car and raise money for air freight? I’m not sure. (edit: it seems that they will attend the Moroccan Solar Challenge instead of WSC) - #98 ATN Solar Car Team and #41 Australian National University – these teams are obviously in trouble but, being Australian, they should still turn up in Darwin with a car. (edit: both teams have since revealed cars)
Scientific Gems 