The EV Challenge helps build essential future workforce skills in the Hunter region—confidence in STEM, innovation, design, teamwork, and problem solving. With clean energy careers on the rise, this program inspires students to explore sustainable pathways by designing and racing solar-powered vehicles in a hands-on, exciting experience.
Teachers register teams and order kits (cars, boats, or both), then guide students through the design, engineering, and testing process over several weeks. With comprehensive Teacher Resources, you’ll have everything you need to confidently run the project in your classroom.
On Race Day—September 17—students compete in fun solar races and can win cash prizes, trophies, and school recognition. The keys to success? Experimentation, innovation, and teamwork!
Plus, students can explore renewable energy, Net Zero, and related industries through interactive exhibitions and an onsite industry showcase.
In 2024 there were 133 teams registered from 24 schools from across the region and an attendance of 700 students on the race day.
“Our students had the most enjoyable day and the whole process has been such a motivating and inspiring project to be involved in.”
Our Expos are attended by over 1500 senior students with disability from Hunter and Central Coast secondary schools. They are accompanied by their support teachers, Careers Advisors, parents and guardians or support people.
The events attract over 120 exhibitors across both expos from a range of organisations including:
Career Links connects our young people, no matter who they are, to the next stage of their lives through education, jobs and information. Some young people want tertiary education, some want vocational training and/or apprenticeships, some need special needs support services and others are just looking for a job. Those who come to our Future Choices Expos are looking for that extra support, they want to know what opportunities are out there for them and we like to think that we are helping their dreams come true, aiding them on the path to the next stage of their young lives.
On EV Challenge day, your team will race on both straight and oval tracks—so vehicles need to be durable, well-engineered, and ready for action!
This race will test your car the winner will be determined by fastest across the finish line.
This race will test your car’s endurance, the fastest car with the most staying power will win.
This race will test your boat the winner will be determined by fastest across the finish line.
This race will test your dragster the winner will be determined by fastest across the finish line.
Think outside the box for improvements you can make to your kit. This Award will be given to the most innovative customization that improves the EV’s overall performance and can be a boat or car design.
To enter this category please fill in the attached form (2025 EV Challenge Design & Innovation Entry Form) and upload a photo showcasing your vehicle’s incredible design prior to the event. Please email your completed form and photo to events@careerlinks.nsw.edu.au by the 3rd September to enter. Our finalists will be notified prior to race day.
The Team Spirit prize will be awarded on the day to an outstanding team who have been observed to stand out for their positive interactions with their peers, teachers and race staff. Our challenges are held in the spirit of friendly competition so show your support for your team whilst showing respect and kindness to your competitors. Feel free to dress up to show us your Team Spirit and stand out for all the best reasons.
| Quantity | Cash Cards | Trophies | ||
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | ||
| 3 | 200 | 100 | 50 | Solar Sprint- High School (1st,2nd,3rd) |
| 3 | 150 | 100 | 50 | Solar Sprint- Primary School (1st,2nd,3rd) |
| 3 | 200 | 100 | 50 | Solar Pursuit- High School (1st,2nd,3rd) |
| 3 | 150 | 100 | 50 | Solar Pursuit- Primary school (1st,2nd,3rd) |
| 3 | 200 | 100 | 50 | Aqua Track- High School (1st,2nd,3rd) |
| 3 | 150 | 100 | 50 | Aqua Track-Primary School (1st,2nd,3rd) |
| 1 | 150 | CO2 Dragsters (1st,2nd,3rd) | ||
| 1 | 150 | Design and innovation | ||
| 1 | 150 | Team spirit |
There are a number of resources available to assist you in the building and racing of your Mini EV Solar car and Boat kits. If you feel that the resources are not enough and you need additional assistance, please reach out to our team on events@careerlinks.nsw.edu.au
For more information or trouble shooting regarding building your Kits please contact Michael at Kite Magic 02 9045 1662
The Mini EV Challenge Race day is on Wednesday the 17th September 2025 and will be held at the Tighes Hill TAFE grounds in Newcastle.
All cars and boats participating in the competition are to be scrutineered on race day before the race begins. Presentation of awards will be held at the close of the event. The event will be held south oval 1 as seen on the map. There will be a canteen available for you to purchase food and beverages on the day.
| Time | Included |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Sign In & Induction |
| 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Oval Track |
| 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Straight Track |
| 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM | TAFE Tour – Renewable energy Department/ Aviation TBC |
| 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Aqua Race All Divisions |
| 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | CO2 Dragster |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Presentation |
| Time | Included |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Sign In & Scrutineering |
| 9:30 AM – 11:40 AM | Straight Track |
| 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:25 PM – 1:30 PM | Oval Track |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Aqua Race All Divisions |
| 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | CO2 Dragster |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Presentation |
| Time | Included |
|---|---|
| 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Aqua Race All Divisions |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Presentation |
| Time | Included |
|---|---|
| 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Aqua Race All Divisions |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Presentation |
| Time | Included |
|---|---|
| 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | CO2 Dragster Race |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Presentation |
For more information on Sponsorship
Please email events@careerlinks.nsw.edu.au
