Held every two years since 1987, the 2019 challenge was won on Thursday by Belgium team Agoria which took just under 35 hours to cover the 3020 kilometres from Darwin.

But the team's win came after the Dutch defending champions Vattenfall had their car, NunaX, burst into flames when it was leading the field just 263 kilometres and about three hours from clinching another victory.

The day before another Dutch car, RED E from Solar Team Twente, was forced out when it flipped in South Australia's north in windy conditions.

Challenge director Chris Selwood acknowledged that Agoria's win had come in dramatic circumstances.

But he said the team's first victory in eight attempts was still a magnificent achievement.

'This professional, innovative, and passionate team have always been strong competitors," he said.

"Their hard work has paid off."

Just minutes after Agoria crossed the line the Japanese team from Tokai University finished second in Tokai Challenger while third place went to the University of Michigan in Electrum.

Agoria covered the 3020 kilometres from Darwin in 34 hours, 52 minutes and 42 seconds for an average speed of 86.6 km/h.

Tokai's time was 12 minutes slower at 86.1 km/h while Michigan averaged 84.4km/h.

The remaining cars still on the road in SA will continue to make their way to Adelaide over the next few days.

Australian Associated Press