The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge returns to the streets of Adelaide this year, following a four-year hiatus during the pandemic.

Considered to be one of the world's greatest engineering and innovation challenges, competitors will start in Darwin on Sunday 22 October, and travel 3000km to Adelaide.

More than 1200 participants across 43 teams from 23 countries will take part in the race.

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Village will be set up in Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga from Thursday 26 October to Sunday 29 October, to celebrate all the action of the event.

The village will feature a range of electric cars, bikes and scooters, panel discussions on a range of climate, energy and EV topics, along with food trucks and entertainment.

Visitors will also be able to experience the new RAA EV Drive Experience – allowing South Australians to test drive and view one of the largest electric vehicle displays.

Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Event Director Chris Selwood AM said the village would be a popular attraction at the finish line celebrations.

“South Australians will be able to explore one of the largest, in-market, electric vehicle displays, get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle and take it for a spin, along with the cutting edge solar electric cars from this year’s Challenge,” Mr Selwood said.

“Thanks to RAA, those itching to get behind the wheel of an EV will be spoilt for choice with the RAA Drive Experience offering free city test drives from 10 different EV’s including BYD, BMW, MG, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia."

To check out the full event program and register for a free test drive EV experience, visit the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge website.