World Solar Challenge: Dutch Team Sets New Record in Race Across Australian Desert

The World Solar Challenge is a prestigious race across the Australian desert, testing technology and endurance. The 3010 km journey from Darwin to Adelaide saw Dutch car Nuna 2, from the Solid team, take an early lead and eventually win, breaking their own record. The race involves strategic energy management using advanced solar cells and batteries, with teams facing challenges like cloud cover. The event concluded with Nuna 2 first, followed by Australia's Aurora and MIT's Tesseract.

What was the primary goal of the World Solar Challenge?

• To break the speed record for solar cars

• To test the endurance of drivers

• To showcase the latest in solar technology

• To promote tourism in Australia

Which team took an early lead in the World Solar Challenge?

• Team MIT from the US

• Melbourne's Aurora

• The Dutch team Nuna 2

• The French team Helios 3

What type of solar cells are used in the most efficient solar cars?

• Polycrystalline silicon cells

• Dual or triple junction gallium arsenide cells

• Single junction silicon cells

• Amorphous silicon cells

What was a significant challenge faced by teams during the race?

• Limited battery capacity

• Cloud cover affecting solar charging

• Excessive heat

• Lack of checkpoints

Which team won the World Solar Challenge by breaking their own record?

• Team MIT from the US

• The French team Helios 3

• The Dutch team Nuna 2

• Melbourne's Aurora