Tokai University and Sharp Win 2009 Global Green Challenge

The Global Green Challenge is one of the world’s largest solar car races. This year, the competition was won by the Tokai University team with a solar car equipped with Sharp compound solar cell.

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, and it includes Kenjiro Shinozuka, Japan's leading rally driver.

Sharp’s solar cells were an important part in the success of the Japanese team. Sharp Corporation is specialized on digital technologies and liquid crystal displays. The high-efficency solar cells will hopefully be a first step towards a greener future.

The race takes place from the 24th of October to the 31st, 2009. On the 24th there was an official time trial. The race started on the 25th from Darwin. The solar car team from Tokai University began its impressive run 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. That’s fast, considering we’re talking about a solar powered car.

They crossed the finish line on the 28th of October with a real severe advantage in front of the second-place finisher. Less fast competitors are still able to finish the race until the 31st, same day when the awards ceremony will be held.