The Innoptus Solar Team’s solar car has been approved to take part in a competition in the United States. Engineering students at Leuven University (KU Leuven) design and build solar cars and even became world champions in 2023. The students are now aiming to win the Electrek American Solar Challenge, a race from Minnesota to Texas.
Leuven students’ solar car approved for Electrek American Solar Challenge in the US
Colin Clapson
Published:
Every year, engineering students at Leuven Uni dedicate themselves to designing, building or improving solar cars. Their car will be used to compete against students from all over the world. The current vehicle, the Infinite Apollo, underwent a rigorous inspection this week ahead of the competition in the United States.
The tests cover standard items, such as the brakes and the battery, but the solar car’s new features have also been checked. The students fitted two improvements to the car: an advanced battery cooling system and a new solar panel. “It uses a new type of solar cell that is even more efficient at converting sunlight into energy and is also lighter,” explains driver Vincent De Maeyer (23).
The inspection is always an exciting moment. “It’s our first time competing in America, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect,” says engineer Robbe Willaert (23). “We’re really pleased that it went well. Now we’re really looking forward to the race, which starts on Saturday.”
Conquering Route 66
Over the course of eight days, the Solar Team will travel from Minneapolis (Minnesota) to Amarillo (Texas). They’ll pass through eight US states, travelling along the famous Great River Road and Route 66. To determine their starting position, the students are completing as many laps as possible at the Brainerd International Raceway circuit.