A SOLAR-POWERED car built in the North East is to represent the region in an international race.

The Durham University vehicle will take part in the World Solar Challenge, travelling 1,864 miles from Darwin in the north of Australia to Adelaide in the south.

The Durham car is due to be shipped from Southampton to Australia later this month after taking part in endurance testing in the UK.

The race, which will involve solar- powered cars from across the globe, is scheduled to take place between October 16 and 23.

The vehicle, which can reach speeds of up to 60mph, has been built at Durham University, with key elements such as the in-wheel-drive motor and flexible solar panels developed as student research projects.

The Durham team heading to Australia includes Steve Wilson, Ben Derrick, John Wilson, Andrew Thurman, academic advisor Dr David Sims-Williams and drivers Richard Flint and Alexandra Reevey.

Dr David Sims-Williams, from the School of Engineering and Computing Sciences, said: “The World Solar Challenge pushes teams to develop high-efficiency vehicles, which is the real key to reducing the emissions of everyday vehicles.

“These cars have to be able to drive at highway speed all day with less power than an electric kettle.

“The students have led the project and it will be a tremendous experience for them to put what they have learned at Durham into practice against some of the best solar cars in development when they take part in the competition.”

The car previously took part in the 2008 North American Solar Challenge, when it was the only UK entrant in the 2,400-mile race from Dallas to Calgary.

Durham was named Top Rookie Team, as the highest-placed new team.

Team member John Wilson said: “In a world where the environment is at the forefront of global debate and vehicle emissions are paramount, Durham is designing a vehicle with not just zero emissions, but an unlimited mileage range.”