Countdown to Race Day
Every great idea needs the right support to go the distance.
That’s why Chroma is excited to back the University of Michigan Solar Car team as they take on the challenges of solar racing. Together, we’re helping drive the future forward—one mile at a time.
3,000 kilometers.
Three classes of solar cars.
A legacy that spans nearly four decades.
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge isn’t your typical race. Every two years, teams from around the world gather in Australia to take on more than 3,000 kilometers of sun-scorched terrain. It’s tough, unpredictable, and as much about engineering as it is endurance. Since 1987, high schools, universities, and private groups have pushed the boundaries of solar-powered design here, crafting lightweight electric vehicles that run entirely on energy from the sun. With nothing but solar panels to power them, these cars can reach speeds of nearly 100 kilometers per hour (approximately 62 mph), demonstrating just how far clean energy can take them.
The University of Michigan Solar Car Team knows the race well. With 10 national championships and 7 WSC podium finishes under their belt, they’ve established themselves as the benchmark in solar vehicle design. Their next entry, Millennium, will compete in the WSC in 2025, and this time, Chroma Systems Solutions is along for the ride.
We’re proud to sponsor Millennium as it carries forward the legacy of one of the most accomplished solar racing teams in the world. But more than just lending our name, we’re supporting their engineering efforts with the same tools used by top EV developers and battery researchers across the globe.
Engineering Confidence: From Cell to Pack
Before race day, every detail counts. At our EV & Battery Innovation Center in Wixom, Michigan, the University of Michigan Solar Car Team put their battery system through a series of rigorous tests, from individual cell analysis to full pack validation.
Cell-Level Testing
Using Chroma’s Cell Charge/Discharge Tester and Battery LEX software, the team evaluated each lithium-ion cell through a variety of key performance tests:
Pack-Level Validation
With verified cells, focus shifted to the full battery pack. The 17040 Pack Cycler and Battery Pro software enabled multi-day drive cycle simulations based on real-world data from previous races. This ensured the pack could withstand the demands of the track long before it was installed in the car.
Chroma’s suite of EV-focused battery testing systems includes regenerative battery cyclers, high-precision cell test instruments, and fully integrated Battery Management System (BMS) validation platforms. These tools allow teams to simulate real-world electrical loads, thermal events, and charging conditions — all before a single wheel hits the road. From battery pack design to end-of-line verification, our technology is built to ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term performance.
When you’re racing the sun, every watt counts. So does every test. That’s why we’re excited to play a part in Millennium’s journey and in helping shape the next generation of engineers who are designing cleaner, smarter vehicles for the world ahead.
