Sasol Solar Challenge: Belgian Solar Car Triumphs Over Dutch Rivals
In a stunning display of innovation and endurance, the Innoptus Solar Team from Leuven, Belgium, has emerged victorious in the 2024 Sasol Solar Challenge, showcasing the prowess of their solar-powered vehicle against their Dutch competitors. This year’s event saw the Belgian team surpass expectations, not only winning the challenge but also setting a new daily distance record twice.
The Innoptus Solar Team crossed the finish line in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday, marking a resounding victory over the Dutch contingent. The runners-up were the students from the Technical University of Twente, followed by the Brunel Solar Team from Delft, who secured third place. The Brunel Solar Team had previously claimed victory in the four preceding editions of the race.
The 2024 Sasol Solar Challenge concluded with a thrilling climax, with the Belgian team breaking the daily distance record twice. The atmosphere in Cape Town was electric as thousands of spectators cheered on the teams, celebrating the spirit of innovation, endurance, and sustainability. The excitement was captured in a tweet by the official Sasol account:
The 2024 #SasolSolarChallenge ended in thrilling style! Belgian-based Innoptus claimed victory, breaking the daily distance record twice. Thousands cheered as teams crossed the finish line in Cape Town, celebrating innovation, endurance, and sustainability. @Solar_Challenge pic.twitter.com/AWVzbScPZi— Sasol (@SasolSA) September 21, 2024
The race began in Johannesburg on the previous Friday and spanned eight intense days. The student teams navigated their solar-powered cars across the vast expanse of South Africa, from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The focus of the competition was not the finishing time but the distance covered. Each day, the route featured loops that allowed the teams to accumulate mileage. Leuven covered over 4,200 kilometers, while Twente managed almost 4,170 kilometers.
Despite their strong performance, the Delft team encountered unforeseen challenges. The route turned out to be unsafe, so we couldn’t continue our comeback against the Belgians and the team from Twente, said driver Daan Schramade. Honestly, first place was no longer within reach, but we would have loved to fight for second place.
The World Solar Challenge, held in Australia, is the most renowned race for solar cars, often considered the unofficial world championship. Leuven has claimed the title in the last two editions, following the Delft team’s triumph in the previous three races. The Australian race typically takes place over flat, expansive terrain, while the South African route included steep mountain roads, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
An impressive achievement for the Innoptus Solar Team was setting a world record in 2022, where their solar car covered 1,051 kilometers in twelve hours, surpassing the previous record held by Delft.
The Brunel Solar Team from Delft has been a pioneer in promoting the power of sustainable energy through innovation. Since their debut victory at the World Solar Challenge in 2001, the team has been at the forefront of showcasing the potential of solar power and pushing technological boundaries. Through participation in solar races worldwide, the students of TU Delft aim to demonstrate the possibilities of solar energy and inspire a new generation of sustainable innovations.
Reporting by ANP and NL Times. Follow the latest stories on our platform for more updates on global news and events.
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