Axalta is excited to once again support cutting-edge automotive innovation – this time on the global solar stage. As official coatings partner of the Innoptus Solar Team, we’re helping the reigning world champions prepare for one of the toughest endurance events on the planet: the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

Held from 24^th – 31^st August, the event sees university teams race custom-built solar cars across more than 3000 kilometres of remote Australian outback, from Darwin to Adelaide. For the first time, this year’s race will be run in Winter – creating new challenges with cooler conditions, shorter daylight hours, and reduced solar power.

Unveiled in Antwerp earlier this year, the team’s new car, Infinite Apollo, is their lightest and most advanced design to date. Built to maximise solar capture and aerodynamic efficiency, it weighs just 170 kilograms and features fixed aero fins that harness crosswinds to help the car ‘sail’ across the desert plains.

To meet the extreme performance and sustainability targets of this build, Infinite Apollo was finished using our Cromax Ultra Performance Energy System – a refinish process that cures at lower temperatures, reduces energy use, and delivers an ultra-smooth, high-gloss finish with minimal environmental impact. Our technical specialists worked closely with the students to ensure the coating process met the unique demands of solar racing.

Based at KU Leuven in Belgium, the Innoptus Solar Team is aiming to retain its world title and showcase the power of innovation, teamwork and sustainability.

Learn more about the event at worldsolarchallenge.org