Cars powered by sun race through Chile's desert

Chilean team "Atenea II " competes with a solar car during the first stage of the Atacama Solar Challenge -- a solar car race in Atacama Desert, northern Chile -- in Calama on Nov. 15, 2012. Fifteen teams from four countries are participating in the three-day 1300 km race.

A member of the Chilean team "Eolian 3", prepares his solar car during the first stage of the race.

Martin Bernetti / AFP - Getty Images

The Chilean team Eolian 3 competes during the first stage of the Atacama Solar Challenge.