known as Solar Team EindhovenEindhoven University of TechnologyA group of 22 students have achieved an important record by completing a difficult 1,000km journey from northern Morocco to the Sahara Desert in the world’s first off-road solar car, Stella Terra.
Featuring a green exterior inspired by nature, the solar car was able to navigate rugged terrain such as dry riverbeds, forest areas, steep mountain passes, and loose desert sands.
Stella Terra, the world’s first off-road solar car. (Image: Solar Team Eindhoven)
Stella Terra’s power source is a network of solar panels that cover almost the entire top of the car, including the roof and bonnet. Designed for use on public roads, it has a maximum speed of 145km/h, weighs 1200kg, and has a cruising range of 710km on clear days. The cruising range when driving off-road is usually around 550 km on average, depending on the road surface.
The team drove the solar car from northern Morocco to the Sahara Desert. (Image: Solar Team Eindhoven)
Development of Stella Terra began with the announcement of a concept car in March 2023, and the actual vehicle was announced in September. The challenge was to create a self-sustaining off-road vehicle that could run solely on solar power.
To do this, it was necessary to design many parts, from the suspension to the inverter for the solar panels. Wisse Bos, team manager of Solar Team Eindhoven, said it was important to ensure that the Stella Terra could withstand the harsh conditions of off-roading while still being efficient and lightweight enough to rely on solar power. emphasized.
The top of Stella Terra is covered with solar panels. (Image: Solar Team Eindhoven)
Before embarking on a 1,000km journey through various landscapes, Stella Terra conducted extensive tests in the Netherlands. As a result, the solar car proved to be more efficient than expected, consuming 30% less energy than expected. This efficiency allowed them to complete the entire journey using solar energy alone, without the need for charging stations.
The success of this expedition not only demonstrates the potential of sustainable off-road driving, but also demonstrates the innovation and dedication of Solar Team Eindhoven in promoting solar car transport.
