The Stella Terra stores excess energy in a battery, and with its potent solar panels, it can cover an impressive 440 miles (710 kilometers) in a single sunny day.
A team of 30 ambitious students, ranging from 21 to 25 years old, from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, has achieved a major milestone in sustainable transportation. They’ve developed the Stella Terra, a robust off-road car, entirely powered by solar energy.
This groundbreaking vehicle, a product of the Solar Team Eindhoven, sets a new standard as the first solar-powered car capable of long-distance off-road travel without the need for recharging stations.
Over the course of a year, these dedicated students took a hiatus from their studies to embark on the challenge of crafting a rugged, off-road solar-powered vehicle. The result is the Stella Terra, a marvel of engineering requiring a complete redesign from top to bottom.
At the heart of this innovation are highly efficient solar panels, boasting an impressive 97% efficiency, significantly outperforming even the best commercially available panels. This translates to remarkably efficient use of sunlight, minimizing waste.
The Stella Terra stores excess energy in a battery, and with its potent solar panels, it can cover an impressive 440 miles (710 kilometers) in a single sunny day. This solar-powered wonder accommodates two passengers, attains a top speed of 90 mph (145 kph), and weighs a mere 2,600 pounds (1,200 kilograms) – about two-thirds lighter than the average car.
Underneath, a meticulously designed suspension system ensures the vehicle can navigate rough, uneven terrains with ease, providing a comfortable ride even in challenging off-road conditions.
Recently, the Stella Terra faced its ultimate test—a demanding 620-mile (1,000-kilometer) journey across Morocco, traversing forests, dry riverbeds, loose desert sands, and steep mountain trails. Remarkably, the car accomplished this feat without a single stop at a charging station.
Bob van Ginkel, one of the lead students on the project, praised the car’s performance, stating, “The car was actually very comfortable in the off-road conditions as it is very light and does not get stuck.”
While the steering system encountered a minor glitch during the rigorous journey, the students, having designed the entire vehicle themselves, swiftly rectified the issue.
The Solar Team Eindhoven takes immense pride in their creation and hopes it will inspire car manufacturers to embark on similar sustainable projects. Though they acknowledge that it may take five to ten years for car companies to replicate their achievement, they believe they are pushing the boundaries of technology and setting a new precedent in eco-friendly transportation.