The Australian National University solar racing team who are set to compete in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in October are partnering with event sponsors, the NRMA.

The partnership forms an integral part the NRMA’s endeavour to lead the charge in electrifying and decarbonising transport and support Australian youth to keep innovating for the future.

The NRMA is the control stop sponsor of the challenge which will take place along the Stuart Highway. The Stuart Highway will be a core backbone of the NRMA national highway electric vehicle (EV) charging network with the Australian Government.

In addition, the NRMA will sponsor the ANU team in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, providing real-world examples of renewables in use in the motoring industry.

Since 1987, teams in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge push the limits of technological innovation and design through engineering and building a fully solar-powered vehicle. The teams then cross Australia in a 3022 km challenge from Darwin to Adelaide using only the power of the sun.

NRMA Chief Executive Energy Carly Irving-Dolan said that the NRMA was committed to improving and embedding sustainability practices in our transportation network for the future.

“The NRMA was founded with an aim to keep people moving and communities connected and we are proud to be the control stop sponsor of this challenge to promote the capability of alternative fuel sources in action,” Ms Irving-Dolan said. 

“Solar technology will power future possibilities of low emissions vehicles in Australia. Having an opportunity to see this technology in action is truly exciting.

“We see our partnership with the ANU Solar Racing Team and the BWSC as a great opportunity to support young people who are the leaders and policymakers of tomorrow. This is just one of many steps we’re taking to help Australian motorists in their transition towards an electric future.”

ANU Project Lead Isaac Martin said the Solar Racing team had spent the last six years working to develop sustainable innovation within the ACT and were looking forward to working with the NRMA for the BWSC.

“Our team is so lucky to be made up of such diverse individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, and we’re excited to continue to push the boundaries of sustainable technology together,” Mr Martin said.

The last physical challenge was held in 2019 and saw a record 44 entries with 1,200 participants from 21 countries competing for the prize, while being observed and followed by a global audience of more than 25 million.

As Australia’s largest mutual, the NRMA is dedicated to supporting the ANU team’s mission to compete and innovate at the highest level. The BWSC event is due to be held on 22-29 October 2023.