A solar-powered car built by Tshwane University of Technology engineering students began an eight-day test of endurance on Thursday, with teams competing to cover as much ground as possible before reaching Cape Town.

The SunChaser 4 set off from Sasolburg on 10 September as part of the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge.

The event is not a conventional race where the fastest car wins. Instead, teams compete to cover the greatest distance over eight days using solar power, putting their vehicles’ design, reliability and energy efficiency to the test.

For the TUT students, the challenge provides a real-world test of engineering skills developed in the classroom.

The team has received support from Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, whose engineers have provided technical mentorship and shared expertise from the automotive manufacturing sector.

Ford is also providing logistical support, including a chase car and support vehicles that will accompany the team along the route.

The SunChaser 4 is the result of the students’ own engineering and construction work and is intended to showcase the capabilities of South Africa’s emerging engineering talent.

The team’s journey can be followed on Instagram via @fordsouthafrica, while the official Sasol Solar Challenge app provides updates on the competition.