The "Tour de Sol", organized by the Swiss Solar Energy Society (SSES), was a world premiere in 1985. What began as a visionary advertising campaign quickly became an international event. The exhibition documents how technical pioneering spirit, creativity and conviction triggered a movement - with effects that can still be felt today, such as the boom in e-bikes, the emergence of efficient small vehicles and the combination of photovoltaics and mobility.

The "Tour de Sol" was more than just a race: It was a mobile testing ground for new vehicle concepts, solar technologies and drive systems. From 1985 to 1993, numerous ideas were developed that later became marketable products - many of which are still shaping electromobility today.

The exhibition was officially opened at the Swiss Museum of Transport on June 28, 2025 - with numerous pioneers from the very beginning. In their speeches, they recalled the beginnings of solar mobility, paid tribute to the innovative spirit of the time and emphasized the topicality of the issues. Thomas Nordmann, press officer of the Tour de Sol at the time, added: "40 years ago, the Tour de Sol was a utopia on wheels - today it is a reality on the road. The sun doesn't write bills, but nature is starting to give us some. This makes it all the more important to invest in the future now: in solar energy, electromobility and smart policies. Because doing nothing will be more expensive than taking precautions."

"'The Tour de Sol' was and is a flagship of solar energy. It has shown what is possible with the power of the sun - then as now," said Urs Scheuss, Managing Director of the Swiss Solar Energy Society (SSES). The Swiss Museum of Transport also emphasized the importance of this historic chapter in Swiss technological history. "The 'Tour de Sol' is an impressive example of the innovative spirit that characterizes our country - and it was right here, in front of the Swiss Museum of Transport, that the royal stage ended in 1986 with a solar car on the Lidostrasse," recalled Ute Dotti, Head of Exhibition and Collection.

Urs Muntwyler, co-organizer of the first tours, summarized: "The anniversary exhibition provides an insight into a pioneering phase of solar and e-mobility. Switzerland was an important driving force behind the breakthrough of solar power production back then - and it can be again."

The "Tour de Sol" was more than just a race: It was a mobile testing ground for new vehicle concepts, solar technologies and drive systems. From 1985 to 1993, numerous ideas were developed that later became marketable products - many of which are still shaping electromobility today.