Over a course spanning more than 4,000 kilometres, KU Leuven’s Innoptus Solar Team triumphed in the most prestigious solar car race in the United States.
© Innoptus Solar Team/KUL
Eight engineering students from KU Leuven travelled more than 4,000 kilometres, from Minneapolis to Amarillo in northern Texas, in a vehicle powered exclusively by solar energy. It was an eight-day journey along the Mississippi River, during which they followed the Great River Road and the legendary Route 66.
In their first-ever participation in a race on American soil, the young Belgians emerged victorious. They became the first Europeans to win this prestigious competition, finishing four minutes ahead of their rivals from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, six-time world champions.
“The emotions are overwhelming,” explained Anthony Vanden Abeele, a member of the team. “I cannot put into words all the work we have accomplished over the past year. We are incredibly proud to have come this far. This race was a great unknown for us. The heat was extreme, and so was the humidity. Everyone struggled to cope with these conditions, especially the drivers.”
These Belgian students have added yet another achievement to their already impressive record. With their vehicle, Infinite Apollo, they have already won the World Solar Challenge in Australia, the European Championship at the Zolder circuit in Belgium, as well as other races in Chile and South Africa.
