Around the World in Eighty Days, Zero Emission Style!

Trev Car of Team from Adelaide, Australia (Image via: Zero Race)

The famous adventure novel, Around the world in eighty days by Jules Verne stirred significant public interest in existing modes of travel and various technological marvels in the late 1800s. Louis Palmer, the first man to ‘circumnavigate the world in a solar-powered vehicle’ is about to embark on a similar adventure in order to arouse public interest in renewable energy solutions!

How?

By organizing the Zero Race, featuring zero emission, electric powered cars that will circumnavigate the globe in eighty days!

More about the Zero Race…

Lasting from August 15^th, 2010 to January of 2011 (a total of 80 days on the road not counting maritime crossings) the race will cover a total distance of about 30,000 km across 20 countries, stopping over in 120 major cities around the world on the way.

Starting from Geneva, the contestants also hope to pay a visit to the United Nations World Climate Change Conference in Cancun in November as part of the race.

How does one enter the race?

The eligibility criteria are quite specific and this includes a total commitment towards sustainable and renewable energy solutions.

Car driven by Zerotracer team from Switzerland (Image via: Zero Race)

The vehicles that can enter the race should be able to maintain an average speed of 80 kmph over a distance of 240 km. They should also be able to reach a maximum daily distance of 450 km, carrying at least one passenger. Recharging in less than four hours is also a requirement.

Electric motorbikes that can travel at least 120 km on a single battery charge are also welcome to be a part of this unprecedented world event.

Bikes should capable of riding 120 km from single battery charge (Image via: Zero Race)

Evaluation criteria?

Crossing the finishing line first isn’t the only thing that will make you a winner in the Zero Race. Best performers will be selected based on the following criteria as well.