The eight-day competition, which runs through August 1, pushes solar vehicles along the historic Route 66 corridor. Rather than prioritizing raw speed, the challenge forces teams to master energy management across shifting climates and rugged terrain. For the participating teams, success depends on how effectively their vehicles convert sunlight into sustained power using LONGi’s specialized Back Contact (BC) modules.

Innoptus Solar Team and Delft Solar Team, both podium finishers at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, are the only European entries in this year's American event. Their vehicles utilize distinct applications of the technology: the Innoptus cars carry flexible BC modules designed for lightweight, curved surfaces, while the Delft team integrates high-efficiency BC cell strings into their energy architecture. Beyond the engineering, the teams must balance real-time weather patterns and route strategy to maximize their range. LONGi frames this collaboration as a mobile laboratory, treating the race as a platform to refine photovoltaic performance for future real-world applications.