PVTIME – On 23 March, it was announced that LONGi, the PV giant, has confirmed a strategic partnership with Belgium’s leading solar racing team, the Innoptus Solar Team. As part of the collaboration, LONGi will supply high-efficiency BC technology and flexible photovoltaic solutions to support the team’s 11th-generation solar racing car, the “Infinite Apollo”, which officially debuted at an innovation launch event in Belgium on the same day. The vehicle is set to compete in this summer’s American Solar Challenge (ASC).
After 10 months of research, development and assembly, the team will now focus on testing and validation. Over the next few weeks, the team will conduct thousands of kilometres of field tests across Belgium to evaluate the car’s performance in long-distance and complex road conditions, in preparation for the most demanding solar race in the team’s history.
Details of the ASC, outlined by the team during the launch event on 23 March, show that the race will span America’s heartland. Starting from the Mississippi River, it travels along the scenic Great River Road and iconic Route 66, blending technical complexity with spectator appeal. Qualification requires a three-day assessment at Brainerd International Raceway, which is a prerequisite for entry into the main event.
In order to comply with the new race regulations, the “Infinite Apollo” boasts fully upgraded core systems, including high-performance solar modules, advanced battery systems, and a distinctive dual-fin aerodynamic design. LONGi has worked closely with the team to optimise its BC technology products, ensuring enhanced overall vehicle performance.
The partnership builds on the successful collaboration between the two companies in 2025, when LONGi acted as the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge’s (BWSC) exclusive photovoltaic partner. During this event, LONGi’s BC technology and flexible photovoltaic solutions enabled the team to achieve significant breakthroughs in power generation efficiency and reliability in extreme conditions. This year’s enhanced cooperation combines cutting-edge photovoltaic technology with advanced engineering to explore new possibilities for clean energy applications, setting a new standard for industry-university-research integration and attracting significant industry attention.
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