The Sunshine State is being transformed into the Solar State. World-first solar electric cars are to be manufactured in Brisbane, by 2018.

Madison Scott reports.

TRANSCRIPT

This innovation and design hub in Eagle Farm is all about renewable energy.

First cab off the rank, solar cars.

Playing a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, the Arrow One GT technology will filter into their future commercial production.

Cameron Tuesley, Clenergy Founder: “We’re going to have to shift the way people think about motorising a bit, but this will be a practical car.”

Mark Bailey, Queensland Minister for Energy: “What we’re seeing here is research in solar translating to commercial outcomes, which means jobs for Queensland.”

The final product will be high-tech on the outside and classic on the inside – and the cost? Starting from a quarter of a million dollars.

The minister was a natural when it came to driving the 220-kilogram race car.

But he stayed well below the top speed of 127 kilometres per hour.

This $200,000 innovation has raced over 10,000 kilometres in three competitions internationally and was built by volunteers inspired by clean energy.

The Sun-Thirty will race from Darwin to Adelaide in 2017.

Nathan Cayzer, World Solar Challenge Director: “Bridgestone World Solar Challenge doesn’t end at the finish line, it continues to bring innovation.”

Clenergy is hoping it will be able to produce the first registered solar car on Australian roads.

This comes at a time where fuel prices continue to rise.

Madison Scott, QUT News