As electric vehicle designers work to improve the practicality of battery-powered cars for urban and suburban commuters, the Eindhoven University of Technology Solar Team has made significant strides towards a future of limitless mobility. The team gained attention in 2021 with their solar-powered RV, Stella Vita, and now, two years later, they have unveiled an all-electric off-road car that can travel over rugged terrain without the need for charging thanks to its expandable solar charging system and aerodynamic profile. While solar EVs and e-RVs are slowly becoming a reality, they often fall short of providing the boundless sun-fueled range that road travelers and adventurers dream of.
One of the first electric camper vans to utilize solar-harvested energy for both its drivetrain and onboard camping equipment is the Maxwell Vanacea. However, its 1,560-W solar panel array only adds an additional 20 miles per sunny day to its 250-mile battery range, making it less than ideal for long journeys or emergency situations. The 2021 Stella Vita, on the other hand, features a multi-panel expandable solar system and ultra-efficient design that extends its base range of 454 miles by an extra 81 miles per sunny day. According to Solar Team Eindhoven, the Stella Vita can fully recharge after two to three days of solar-charging.
A new addition to the Solar Team Eindhoven lineup is the Stella Terra, designed specifically for off-road travel powered solely by solar energy. It is built to withstand harsh conditions while remaining efficient and lightweight. The team has designed nearly every aspect of the Stella Terra themselves, including the suspension and inverters for the solar panels. With its superior aerodynamic performance and low weight of 2,646 lb, the Stella Terra has an estimated range of up to 391 miles with the help of solar energy. It can reach a top speed of 90 mph and has the capability to charge electronic devices and power cooking appliances.
The Solar Team plans to take the Stella Terra to Morocco for rigorous off-road testing in various terrains. They hope that their design will attract attention from the automotive industry and inspire the development of marketable solar-electric vehicles.
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