A team of students from Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) has built the world’s first off-road solar-powered vehicle, called Stella Terra. The khaki-green SUV uses solar panels on its roof to charge its electric battery, allowing it to be driven long distances solely powered by the sun. This innovation could be a game-changer for areas with limited charging infrastructure, connecting remote and underdeveloped regions with reliable transportation options. The team recently tested the vehicle in Morocco, driving over 1,000 kilometers between the northern coast and the Sahara Desert. The road-legal car has a top speed of 145 kilometers per hour and a battery range of up to 710 kilometers on roads and 550 kilometers off-road, depending on the surface.
Stella Terra’s lightweight design makes it more efficient and less likely to get stuck on rugged terrain. Weighing 25% less than the average mid-sized SUV, the vehicle minimizes its weight by using composite materials and an aerodynamic design to reduce drag. The solar panels on the car’s roof allow for charging while driving, eliminating the need for charging points and giving drivers the freedom to go wherever they please. For long-distance journeys, the car’s seats can fully recline to create a bed, and the solar panels can be extended to provide shade and maximize charging when the car is stationary.
The Stella Terra team faced some challenges during their trip to Morocco, including a setback when the steering system broke. However, they were able to find replacement parts and repair the vehicle in a local workshop. Despite this setback, the team expressed their excitement about the trip, which allowed them to test the car on a diverse range of terrains and landscapes.
This solar-powered SUV is just one of TUE’s many experiments with solar-powered vehicles over the past decade. The university’s automotive innovation lab aims to produce concept cars that are ahead of the market by five to 10 years. Previous alumni of TUE’s solar program have started their own company, Lightyear, to produce a car with solar panels. Although the company faced bankruptcy earlier this year, they relaunched to focus on a new, more affordable model. The team behind Stella Terra hopes their concept SUV can be mass-produced in the near future and inspire the automotive industry to innovate faster and design more sustainable vehicles.