A novel SUV that runs on solar energy has completed a test drive across Morocco, demonstrating its ability to travel on different surfaces and terrains without stopping to recharge. The vehicle, called Stella Terra, was designed by engineering students at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and is claimed to be the world’s first off-road solar SUV.
Stella Terra has a sleek and futuristic design, with solar panels covering its roof and hood. It can travel up to 440 miles on a sunny day and store excess energy in its battery for later use. It also has features that make it suitable for long-distance trips, such as reclining seats that turn into beds, an extendable solar panel awning, and a battery that can power devices and cookers.
The vehicle was tested in Morocco, where it drove across the Sahara desert, the Atlas mountains, and the coastal roads for 621 miles in 10 days. The team behind Stella Terra said they chose Morocco because of its diverse landscape and climate, as well as its potential for solar energy development.
“We want to show that sustainable mobility is possible anywhere in the world, even in extreme conditions like the desert,” said Lex Hoefsloot, one of the founders of Lightyear, the company that spun off from the student team.
The team also said they wanted to demonstrate how solar-powered vehicles could help people in areas with limited access to electricity and fuel, as well as provide emergency assistance in disaster situations.
“It’s not just a car, it’s a house on wheels. You can live in it. You have everything you need,” said Kjell Revenberg, one of the drivers of Stella Terra.
“We believe that solar cars are a great solution for the mobility issues in Africa. They are very low maintenance and can cope with rough terrain. They can also bring power to remote areas that are off the grid,” said Aboubakr Zraidi, a Moroccan engineer who joined the test drive.
The team plans to continue testing and improving Stella Terra, as well as developing other models of solar vehicles. They hope to inspire more people to adopt solar mobility and contribute to a greener future.
“This is a huge milestone for solar mobility and for us as a company. We have always dreamed of making long-distance trips on solar energy a reality,” said Martijn Lammers, the chief strategy officer of Lightyear.
Relevant articles:
– ‘World’s first off-road solar SUV’ just drove across Morocco powered only by the sun, CNN, October 15, 2023
– First Solar SUV Drove Across Morocco Powered by Sun, Greek Reporter, October 17, 2023
– Stella Terra Solar-Powered EV Drives 621 Miles In Sahara Desert On Sunshine Alone, Carscoops, October 17, 2023
– Solar-Powered Car Stella Terra Shines in Sahara Test Drive, BNN Network, October 18, 2023