Zero-emission cars are gaining popularity, but using an electric vehicle can be incredibly challenging in areas with limited charging infrastructure. Stella Terra has the potential to change this situation. This khaki-green SUV utilizes solar panels on its sloping roof to charge its electric battery, allowing it to travel long distances powered entirely by the sun.
Created by a team of students from Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE), Stella Terra is known as “the world’s first off-road solar-powered vehicle.” It has the potential to connect remote areas with underdeveloped roads and unreliable energy grids. Additionally, it can be a valuable asset for emergency aid and deliveries, according to Thieme Bosman, the events manager for the team.
The vehicle was recently tested in Morocco, covering over 1,000 kilometers from the country’s northern coast to the Sahara Desert in the south. The car is road-legal and can reach a top speed of 145 kilometers (90 miles) per hour. On a sunny day, its battery range is around 710 kilometers (441 miles) on roads and approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles) off-road, depending on the terrain. In overcast conditions, the range could be about 50 kilometers less.
Bosman mentioned that the vehicle exceeded expectations during the trip, proving to be one-third more efficient than anticipated. Its lightweight design enables it to handle rugged terrain and puts less stress on its suspension. Electric SUVs typically require larger, heavier batteries due to their weight, but Stella Terra’s innovative design minimizes its weight, making it about 25% lighter than the average mid-sized SUV.
The car’s aerodynamic design reduces drag, and it utilizes lightweight and durable composite materials to further reduce weight. Solar panels on the roof allow the car to charge while driving, eliminating the need for charging points. This innovation provides drivers with the freedom to travel off-road without worrying about charging infrastructure.
Stella Terra incorporates the idea of a solar-powered campervan previously developed at the university. It features elements to make long-distance, multi-day journeys comfortable, including seats that fully recline to create a bed and extendable solar panels that double as an awning for shade.
The team also designed highly efficient solar panel converters, which could have broader applications in the solar industry.
The team tested the vehicle in diverse landscapes, from mountain tops to desert dunes, in Morocco. Although they encountered some challenges, such as a broken steering system, they were able to repair the vehicle in a local workshop. The journey showcased the versatility of Stella Terra and allowed the team to thoroughly test its capabilities.
Despite a massive earthquake that struck Morocco in early September, the Stella Terra team joined forces with The Red Cross on a crowdfunding campaign to assist those affected by the disaster.
Eindhoven University of Technology’s automotive innovation lab has been researching solar-powered vehicles for over a decade, often developing concept cars well ahead of the market. The challenge now is to transition from concept to mass production. The team behind Stella Terra hopes to inspire both the general public and the automotive industry to reconsider their designs and innovate more rapidly for sustainability. The ultimate success of this concept SUV depends on the market’s willingness to adopt sustainable vehicle solutions.