A new innovation, design and manufacturing hub in Brisbane will see world-first commercial, road registered, custom Australian solar electric cars built in Queensland.

Queensland State Minister for Energy Mark Bailey officially opened Clenergy TeamArrow’s new workshop at Macarthur Avenue, Eagle Farm, on 19 September. He also revealed the team’s ambitions to have a road-registered, ‘Cruiser Class’ race version on the starting grid of the 2017 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Darwin.

“Clenergy TeamArrow is one of the most successful Australian solar racing teams of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and I’m excited about this new innovation and design hub here in Brisbane,” Bailey said. “The Palaszczuk Government is a strong advocate for renewable energy and a cleaner, greener energy future and I’m pleased to say that Economic Development Queensland has given the home team a flying start by providing long-term access to the Eagle Farm site and workshop facilities.”

Bailey also unveiled the design of the new sleek, hi-tech and aerodynamic vehicle at the Eagle Farm hub with Clenergy Team Arrow’s Cameron Tuesley. Tuesley said they drew inspiration from their extensive experiences crossing Australia’s outback.

“We aim to be the first Australian company to manufacture and sell solar electric vehicles and we are proud to be working with energy partners such as Clenergy and Tritium to showcase Australian innovation, science and renewable energy technology to the world,” Tuesley said. “What better stage to launch than the 2017 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge? Our ‘race’ version of our car of the future will also be the first road-registered solar vehicle to compete in the Challenge.”

2017 will mark 30 years since a band of pioneers began a 3,000km adventure across the Australian outback in the inaugural World Solar Challenge. Up to 50 teams from 25 countries are expected in 2017.