This year 's race , which left Darwin on October 21 , features teams from 18 countries , including entrants from as far afield as Venezuela , Senegal , Malaysia and Japan . The annual World Solar Challenge is currently crossing Europe . Starting with cars powered exclusively by solar energy . 47 teams from 18 countries cover 3000 kms in 10 days . Solar - powered cars reach speeds of up to 147 miles per hour .
The annual World Solar Challenge is currently crossing Europe . Starting with cars powered exclusively by solar energy . 47 teams from 18 countries cover 3000 kms in 10 days . Solar - powered cars reach speeds of up to 147 miles per hour .