Solar Team Eindhoven reveals concept of a new off-road car powered by solar energy
This year, Solar Team Eindhoven is building an off-road car on solar energy. It is the first time that the students have built a robust car that can also handle off-road conditions. Stella Terra is known so far to be the first off-road car powered by the energy of the sun. The car is currently in development and is expected to hit the road this September.
The solar energy is generated via solar panels on the roof. These panels generate enough energy not only to drive, but also enough to live on. For example, it is possible to use the electricity for cooking and charging devices such as a phone or camera. This makes the user completely independent of road and charging infrastructure.
Challenging task
“Building an off-road vehicle that does not rely on existing infrastructure presents whole new challenges. The car must be able to handle the tough conditions of off-roading, but also remain efficient and light enough to be powered by the sun. These are two contradictions that we bring together with Stella Terra”, explains Wisse Bos, team manager of the Solar Team Eindhoven.
By pioneering, Solar Team Eindhoven wants to challenge and call to action the industry to innovate off the beaten track. Bos: “Our goal is to inspire the current market and society, in order to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future – in both mobility and energy.”
Rich history
Solar Team Eindhoven has a rich history. Every two years, the student team builds a car that is fully powered by the sun. In the past, the team became world champion four times in a row during the famous World Solar Challenge in Australia, in the family car class (Cruiser class). In 2021, the team made world news by building a solar-powered motorhome and traveling to the southernmost tip of Europe.
