The Sahara desert is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, with scorching temperatures, harsh terrain and scarce resources. But a team of students from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands has proven that it is possible to drive across this vast and unforgiving landscape with a car powered only by the sun.
The car, known as Stella Terra, is the first solar-powered off-road vehicle globally. It was created by students as a component of their Solar Team Eindhoven initiative. By relying solely on the energy harnessed from its rooftop solar panels, the car successfully completed a 620-mile journey across Morocco and the Sahara desert. With a maximum speed of 90 mph and a weight of only 1,200 kg, the car can travel at least 440 miles on a sunny day. Additionally, it is capable of supplying electricity for cooking and charging devices. Furthermore, the car is equipped with a smart energy management system that optimizes power consumption.
The car, powered by solar panels on its roof, can reach a maximum speed of 90mph (145kmph). It weighs a mere 1,200kg (1.2 tonnes) and has a range of at least 440 miles (710km) on a sunny day.
Wisse Bos, the team manager of Solar Team Eindhoven, stated that the technology employed, which combines a lightweight structure with exceptionally efficient solar panels, is ten years ahead of anything currently available in the market.
He said: “Stella Terra must withstand the harsh conditions of off-roading while remaining efficient and light enough to be powered by the sun. That is why we had to design almost everything for Stella Terra ourselves, from the suspension to the inverters for the solar panels. We are pushing the boundaries of technology.”
The car contains a rechargeable lithium (Li)-ion battery, which would also allow it to operate in less sunny climates but over shorter distances. Such is the level of energy provided by the solar panels on the car that it can provide sufficient electricity for cooking and charging devices such as a phone or camera.
The team faced many challenges during the test drive, such as sandstorms, flat tires, broken roads and checkpoints. But they also enjoyed the beauty of the landscape and the hospitality of the locals. The driver Tom Selten said: “It was an amazing experience to drive through such beautiful landscapes with our own solar car.”
The chief engineer Jelle van der Lugt explained that the car was designed to be efficient, reliable and comfortable at the same time. He said: “The challenge was to design a car that is efficient, reliable and comfortable at the same time. We think we have succeeded in that.”
The team hopes that their project can inspire car manufacturers to make more sustainable and charging-infrastructure independent vehicles in the future. As Interesting Engineering wrote: “The successful achievement should inspire legacy car makers to become bolder with their vision of eco-friendly vehicles.”
Relevant articles:
- Student-built solar car survives Sahara, travels 620 miles in a first, Interesting Engineering, Oct 17, 2023
- Solar-powered off-road car finishes 620-mile test drive across north Africa, The Guardian, Oct 16, 2023
- Students’ Solar-Powered Car Defies Boundaries in Sahara Test Drive, MSN, Oct 16, 2023
- Off-road solar car put through its paces in the Sahara, ESI Africa, Oct 16, 2023