Leading the solar charge

The NRMA plans to stay at the forefront of solar innovation by partnering with events and organisations taking action now, for a brighter future.

A group of fourteen university students dressed in black t-shirts, stand behind a small, car-like vehicle with solar panels along the hood, and the word Sunpower along the trim.

Photo: Australian National University

We’re driven by an ambition to help people explore further, always have been. That’s why we’re excited to sponsor the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), including a partnership with the Australian National University (ANU) solar racing team who are set to compete in the challenge.

What is the BWSC?

Happening October 22 to 29, the BWSC brings teams from across the world together to compete in a gruelling 7-day event. The challenge? To engineer and build a fully solar-powered vehicle and drive it through the Outback from Darwin to Adelaide, 3022km in total, using only the power of the sun.

Sponsoring vital control stops

As part of our support, the NRMA will sponsor all control stops in the BWSC. During the event, teams must stop for 30 minutes at nine control stops along the route to rest, change drivers, and ensure they have enough power to last the next leg.

These stops are vital for the safety of the teams in the often-harsh Outback conditions. Through this sponsorship, we’re proud to continue our long legacy of helping people safely explore.

A black, sleek, aerodynamic, futuristic vehicle drives along a road past a sign saying Control Stop.

Meet the ANU Solar Racing team

Powered by the sun, driven by innovation, ANU Solar Racing is the Australian National University’s 100% student-run solar racing team. We’re passionate about helping young Australians innovate for the future, and partnering with ANU Solar Racing is a great way to support new forms of mobility.

Planning for the future

Along with giving our Energy team the chance to check out real-world renewables in action, the event route also follows the Stuart Highway – which will soon make up the backbone of the NRMA national highway electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

In partnership with the Australian Government, we’ll be the first to install chargers along the highway, many of which will be supported by solar power, making it possible for EV drivers to travel from Darwin to Adelaide.

A woman plugging a charger into the back of her car under a sign that says, NRMA electric vehicle fast charger.

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