Revolutionary Off-Road Solar SUV Defies Boundaries as it Conquers Morocco on Pure Sun Power

Zero-emission cars are soaring in popularity but running an electric vehicle is next to impossible in places with limited charging infrastructure.

Stella Terra could change that.

The sloping roof of the khaki-green SUV is equipped with solar panels that charge its electric battery, allowing it to travel long distances solely powered by the sun. Developed by a group of students at Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE), this vehicle, known as the "world's first off-road solar-powered vehicle," has the potential to connect remote regions with inadequate road infrastructure and unreliable energy grids. Additionally, it can aid in emergency relief efforts and facilitate deliveries, according to Thieme Bosman, the team's events manager.

Earlier this month, the vehicle underwent testing in Morocco, covering over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the northern coast to the Sahara Desert in the south. Bosman stated that Morocco, with its diverse landscapes and surfaces, provided the perfect setting to test the car on a wide range of terrains.

The road legal car can reach a maximum speed of 145 kilometers (90 miles) per hour. On a clear day, it has a battery range of approximately 710 kilometers (441 miles) on roads and around 550 kilometers (342 miles) off-road, depending on the type of surface. In cloudy conditions, the estimated range is reduced by 50 kilometers. During the trip, Bosman observed that the vehicle exceeded expectations by being one-third more efficient than anticipated. Additionally, its lightweight design reduces the likelihood of getting stuck on rough terrain and puts less strain on its suspension.

Stella Terra making an impression in Morocco.

STE/Bart van Overbeek

Solar innovation

Electric SUVs are heavier compared to regular electric vehicles, necessitating larger, heavier batteries for their operation.

"We do not follow the same path of innovation as the SUV market does with previous models. Instead, we begin from the ground up and create everything ourselves," expresses Bosman. The primary objective was to reduce the weight of the vehicle, and the team of 22 students prioritized optimizing each component to be highly efficient. Weighing merely 2,645 pounds (1,200 kilograms), Stella Terra is approximately 25% lighter than the typical mid-sized SUV.

Bob van Ginkel, the technical manager for Stella Terra, explains that the aerodynamic design not only decreases drag but also utilizes durable yet lightweight composite materials to reduce weight. Additionally, van Ginkel highlights the advantage of having solar panels on the roof, as it allows for a smaller battery requirement since the vehicle can charge while being driven.

Drivers of a solar-powered SUV are able to travel off-road without the need for charging points, providing them with the freedom to explore wherever they desire, according to van Ginkel. The only limitation, he explains, is finding a solution for sleeping arrangements.

Addressing this concern, Stella Terra builds upon the concept of the previously developed solar-powered campervan at the university. The designers have incorporated features in the SUV that make it suitable for long-distance, multi-day journeys. For instance, the car seats can be fully reclined to create a comfortable bed. Additionally, when the vehicle is stationary, the solar panels can be extended to optimize charging while also serving as an awning to provide shade.

Bosman says the team also designed highly efficient solar panel converters, which he hopes could be beneficial to the wider solar industry.

Mountain tops to desert dunes

Following the September unveiling of the SUV prototype, the team embarked on a journey to Morocco in order to subject the vehicle to a series of rigorous off-road terrains. Setting out from Tangier, they ventured through the rugged Rif mountain range, putting Stella Terra to the test with demanding uphill and downhill sections in its maiden off-road challenge.

Heading south through Fes, the team put Stella Terra to the test on the mountain trails of Midelt - one of the highest towns in Morocco. The journey concluded with an exhilarating challenge as they ventured into the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, navigating the loose and sandy tracks.

The Stella Terra team said their Morocco trip allowed them to test the car on a huge range of landscapes.

STE/Bart van Overbeek

During the early part of their journey, they encountered a setback when the steering system malfunctioned. However, they managed to locate replacement parts and successfully repaired the vehicle at a nearby workshop.

According to Bosman, the most memorable aspect of the trip has been the diverse range of landscapes and surfaces they have encountered. Each hour of driving has presented a completely new and unique experience. This has not only provided an opportunity for extensive testing but has also made it an extraordinary journey for the entire team.

The trip remained unaffected by the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco in early September. However, recognizing the significant impact of the disaster on the country, the Stella Terra team made the decision to collaborate with The Red Cross on a crowdfunding campaign to provide assistance to those who were affected.

Concept to reality

TUE’s automotive innovation lab has been conducting experiments on solar-powered vehicles for more than ten years. According to Bosman, they have successfully produced concept cars that are usually five to ten years ahead of the market.

One of the primary obstacles they face is the transformation of the concept car into a vehicle that can be manufactured on a large scale. In 2022, former members of the initial TUE Solar program student team, who are now Lightyear alumni, revealed that their company was commencing production of a car equipped with solar panels. However, earlier this year, the company faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. It later relaunched with a renewed focus on developing a new, more affordable model.

Bosman and his colleagues aspire to mass-produce their SUV concept in the near future. Bosman states, "Our goal is to inspire both the general public and the automotive giants like Ford and Chrysler to reconsider their designs and accelerate their innovation process." He adds, "Ultimately, it is the market's responsibility, as they possess the resources and influence, to drive this change and transition towards more eco-friendly vehicles."