Forty-two teams from twenty-four countries have signed up to take part in the 12th edition of the biennial solar-powered car race from Darwin to Adelaide.

The World Solar Challenge was the brainchild of Danish environmentalist Hans Thostrup who built the world's first solar car in 1982. Since then there have been constant technological advances in design and performance, and this year's vehicles – which leave from State Square at 8.30am on 6 October – include, for the first time, a four-seater solar car.