Solar cars, Italy on the roof of the world: it wins the most extreme competition in South Africa in the cruiser category

In the recent Sasol Solar Challenge 2024held in South Africa, theItaly achieved an important victory in the category Cruisers thanks to the solar prototype Emilia 5 of the team Solar Wavewhich we had already talked about in recent weeks. But Italy wasn’t the only one to shine. Also the Belgium he demonstrated his worth, establishing himself as a great protagonist of the competition. The Belgian team Innoptuswith their solar car SUN 08dominated the monocoque car class, setting two new personal bests. Both teams highlighted the potential of solar cars and renewable energy.

This eight-day marathon started on September 13, 2024 from Seconda small center in the north-east of South Africa, with 14 teams ready to battle, coming from every corner of the world: South Africa, Italy, the Netherlands, Qatar, Germany, Turkey. After kilometers of sweat, tension and endurance under a merciless sun, the triumphal arrival in glittering Cape Town marked the end of this epic adventure. Those who were there swear they have never seen such exhilaration for a solar machine: a crowd of hundreds of people exploding amidst confetti and applause.

The team Solar Waveaffiliated with the University of Bologna, brought Italy to the top step of the podium in the category Cruisers with Emilia 5. The prototype stood out not only for having completed the entire route without the aid of a trailer, but also for having received theInnovation Award thanks to an innovative rear suspension system. On a 2500 kilometer journey that crossed hostile terrain and a prohibitive climate, the car proved to be one of the best solar technologies available.

Belgium’s victory

The team Innoptus brought the SUN 08a solar car that set two personal records during the competition, highlighting the incredible potential of renewable energy. The Belgian group has confirmed its superiority in this category, showing the world how the future of automotive can be sustainable and technologically advanced. In particular, the Sasol Solar Challenge it is considered the “Formula 1” of solar cars, where engineering, innovation and resistance are put to the test.

In the chaos of victory, Arne Besteijnshead of PR at Innoptus, declared with an almost disarming calm:

If we want a renewable future, there is still much to do. But we believe in ourselves and know that it is possible.

And here, things take an interesting turn. This isn’t just a competition for nerds passionate about engineering or committed environmentalists. This is the “Formula 1” of clean energy, the place where crazy ideas become prototypes, and prototypes, hope for a future that depends less and less on fossil fuels, as highlighted by Rob Walkerdirector of the race, with a tone that reveals pride but also a certain gravity:

This is the most extreme solar car challenge in the world. What is tested here is not just the efficiency of a vehicle; it is the effectiveness of an idea that could change the world.