Bühler’s Solar Energy Racers have taken second place in the Challenger Class at the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge, completing more than 1 518 km across South Africa in an eight-day test of solar-powered mobility, engineering efficiency and endurance.
The team, supported by Bühler in collaboration with Swiss partners Empa and FISBA, crossed the finish line in Cape Town on 17 September after tackling demanding roads, changing weather conditions and the logistical and technical challenges of a long-distance solar race.
“Second place is a result built on precision engineering, teamwork and relentless belief in what solar-powered mobility can achieve,” comments Markus Hofer, VP Business Development Advanced Materials at Bühler Group.
“The Sasol Solar Challenge brings together so many of the technologies and capabilities that are shaping the future of mobility and energy, while giving young technical talent the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world environment,” adds Hofer. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) won the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge with their SunChaser 4 vehicle, completing 2 369.2 km.
From apprentice training to the open road
The Solar Energy Racers project brings together apprentices, technicians and experienced project mentors from the participating organisations. The multidisciplinary team includes mechanical, electrical and automation apprentices from different training years, who work alongside experienced engineers and project leaders. This teamwork provides another opportunity to turn technical theory into practical experience.
At the heart of the project is SER 6, a streamlined, single-seat solar racer designed around endurance, low energy consumption and aerodynamic efficiency. The vehicle is based on the existing SER4 platform, retaining its lightweight structure and major components while incorporating upgrades to critical systems.
For Bühler, the project represents far more than a motorsport challenge. Since the Solar Energy Racers initiative began in 2011, more than 180 young staff members have participated in the projects, many of whom have gone on to develop within the Bühler organisation.
Engineering for a more sustainable future
The race provided a practical demonstration of technologies that are increasingly important to Bühler’s Advanced Materials business, including photovoltaics, batteries, coatings and adhesives, as well as precision aluminum components.
“The wind, the sun, the roads – every kilometer counts,” said Aaron Lumpert, Apprentice at Bühler and member of the Solar Energy Racers team. “But it is also incredible to see what a car can do powered by nothing but sunlight.”
The team’s journey was not without challenges. Preparing the vehicle across two countries and several organisations required extensive coordination, while shipping delays through Durban threatened to derail the project before the race even began. Support from the Swiss Embassy, Bühler’s local organisation, freight forwarders and the event organisers helped the team get the vehicle to the starting line. Solving all these obstacles resulted in the team clinching the Innovation Award.
A platform for the next generation
The Sasol Solar Challenge is more than a race. It is a real-world training ground where young talent applies engineering, teamwork and resilience under demanding conditions. “Developing our talent, both technically and personally, is in the DNA of all three partners,” says Hofer.
For Bühler, the Solar Energy Racers project turns apprenticeship excellence into practical innovation, helping equip the next generation to shape a more sustainable future.
Media contacts:
Taryn Browne, Head of Marketing, Southern Africa
Bühler (Pty) Ltd.
Bühler Southern Africa
Phone: +27 11 801 3500
Mobile: +27 66 307 4618
E-mail: taryn.browne@buhlergroup.com
Dalen Jacomino Panto, Media Relations Manager
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland
Phone: +41 71 955 37 57
Mobile: +41 79 900 53 88
E-mail: dalen.jacomino_panto@buhlergroup.com
Katja Hartmann, Media Relations Manager
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Schweiz
Mobile: +41 79 483 68 07
E-mail: katja.hartmann@buhlergroup.com
About Bühler
Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature in all its decision-making processes. Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler solutions. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. As a technology partner with this global relevance, Bühler is in a unique position to help unlock new pathways to profitable sustainability and, through its solutions and services, turn global challenges into opportunities.
For this reason, in 2019, Bühler committed to having the solutions ready to multiply that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers. In 2025, it established that in 11 of the key 15 value chains, reductions of at least 50% are feasible in one or more key environmental dimensions. Across all value chains, savings of more than 35% are achievable in at least one category. The company is now focused on driving adoption and scaling these solutions further to multiply impact. In its own operations, Bühler has developed a pathway to achieve a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019 baseline).
Bühler spends up to 5% of its turnover on research and development annually to improve both the commercial and sustainability performance of its solutions, products, and services. In 2025, the company employed 12,090 people who generated a turnover of CHF 2.8 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company with a history spanning 166 years, Bühler is active in over 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 27 manufacturing sites, and research and training centers in 26 locations.
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