TUT’s SunChaser 4 wins Sasol Solar Challenge 2026

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) was crowned the champions of the Sasol Solar Challenge 2026, with its SunChaser 4 successfully completing the 2 369.2-km journey from Sasolburg to Paarl in the Western Cape.

The SunChaser 4 team celebrates winning the Sasol Solar Challenge The achievement marks a historic moment for TUT as the first South African team to complete this specific route without “trailering” its solar car, that is, putting the car in the trailer instead of driving it on the road.

After eight days on the road, months of engineering, testing, problem-solving, and teamwork culminated in SunChaser 4 reaching the finish line, putting the skills and knowledge of TUT students and staff to the test in a demanding real-world environment.

For TUT’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, the Challenger Class victory demonstrates what students can achieve when engineering knowledge moves beyond the classroom and onto South Africa’s open roads.

SunChaser 4’s journey brings the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge to a historic close for Team TUT, celebrating the students, staff, sponsors and partners who helped make the achievement possible.

Videos: https://youtube.com/shorts/_SLsi-PSiUQ?si=W9VLVEA1fol2_NP- 

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