Internode MD in green car race

The challenge is part of the World Solar Challenge showcasing electric, hybrid, solar, low emission and alternative energy vehicles to the public.

It runs from Darwin to Adelaide during October 24-30 this year.

To see a video of Hackett with his Tesla - the world's first fully electric car CLICK here. 

Hackett said he bought the first Roadster to Australia to complement Internode's green initiatives.

"I've been passionate about electric vehicles since I drove a GM EV-I electric car in California during the 1980s," he said.

"I strongly believe that electric vehicles are the future of motoring and this is the most concrete way that I can personally contribute to educating people in Australia about just how real they are.

"In the Tesla and through pioneering initiatives like the Global Green Challenge, people can see what the future of cars looks like."

Hackett's Tesla Roadster will join some 20 alternative energy vehicles ranging from electric to hybrid, low emission, alternative fuel, and diesel machines that will compete under regulations set by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and the international sporting authority, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

These vehicles will be assessed against manufacturers carbon emission and fuel efficiency (consumption) claims.

The event will also feature some 40 plus solar vehicles. Participants in the World Solar Challenge section of the event come from the USA, the Netherlands, France, Australia, Turkey, UK, Belgium, Malaysia, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, India, Canada, Senegal, Taiwan, Greece, and Singapore.

The Global Green Challenge is managed by the South Australian Motor Sport Board with partners including the South Australian and Northern Territory Governments and SA Tourism.

Commenting on signing Internode as an event partner, South Australian Motor Sport Board chief executive Jason Allen said he believed that Internode was an "ideal fit as a high quality organisation that believes in a better future, as a result of innovation and advancement in technology".

"This event is showcasing vehicles of the future, but also vehicles that will rapidly become a major part of the car fleet as people demand environmentally friendly vehicles and governments around the world legislate to reduce emissions," said Allen.

Automotive manufacturers who have expressed interest in this year's event include Suzuki, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Toyota, BMW, Hyundai, Audi, Mercedes, Holden, and Volvo.

Eco Challenge entrants will compete over set 'stages' with overnight stops at Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, and Port Augusta.

Pre and post event public displays will be held in Darwin and Adelaide with an urban cycle for the Eco Challenge vehicles also in the South Australian capital.

World Solar Challenge category vehicles will uniquely run as a single stage with competitors camping by the roadside wherever they finish as they power their way across the continent.

Last year, Internode achieved CO2-free status after undertaking a major greenhouse gas emission audit and purchasing the required offset carbon credits.

Since September, it has used 100 percent GreenPower, generated from sources such as wind and solar, throughout its entire operations.