Stella Vita: Sustainable Future

“By creating innovative and energy-efficient solar vehicles, we inspire the current market and society to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future,” says Solar Team Eindhoven.

This vision comes to life through Stella Vita, a solar-powered vehicle created by engineering students from the University of Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Their work shows how clean energy and smart design can shape the future of mobility.

Building a Sustainable Future Through Innovation

The team has already built four solar-powered family cars. Their first goal was simple: create a practical family car that runs on solar energy.

With Stella Vita, they take the idea further. It is not only a car. It is a solar-powered mobile home that lets people travel in a clean and self-sufficient way.

Stella Vita does not use power steering or power braking, but it still drives smoothly on major highways. It can reach 120 km/h (75 mph). Designer Tjin Ter describes it as “a normal car with normal pedals and brakes,” showing how easy it is to drive.

A Solar House on Wheels

One of Stella Vita’s most impressive features is its expandable roof. When the car stops, the roof lifts and creates extra living space. This added room makes it possible to:

• Cook

• Sleep

• Work

Inside, the vehicle includes a double bed, a small kitchen, a TV, and a cozy living area. It offers what you need to travel comfortably without wasting energy.

What Happens If There’s No Sun?

The team prepared for this situation. Stella Vita includes an optional electric charging system. Drivers can plug it in when sunlight is low.

On a bright day, the vehicle can travel up to 740 km (460 miles) on solar power alone. This long range makes it ideal for long-distance, eco-friendly trips.

Engineering for Maximum Efficiency

Stella Vita has a special teardrop shape that reduces air drag and increases efficiency.

When parked, the vehicle expands its solar surface. Movable solar panels open from the roof and increase the total area to 17.5 m². With more sunlight collected, Stella Vita becomes even more self-sufficient.

These choices in design and engineering allow the car to travel far while using only clean energy.

Looking Ahead to Production

The team expects Stella Vita to move toward mass production in the future. If that happens, more people will have access to a sustainable way of traveling and living.

“They are the future, the next generation, and can encourage and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future,” said Kjell Revenberg, team manager of Solar Team Eindhoven. “During our journey, we aim to inspire as many people in Europe as possible.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

✅ How does Stella Vita charge on cloudy days?
➡️ It can use its optional plug-in charging system when sunlight is not strong enough.

✅ How far can Stella Vita travel on a sunny day?
➡️ It can travel up to 740 km (460 miles) with a full solar charge.

✅ How long does it take for the panels to charge the battery?
➡️ Charging time depends on sunlight. The 17.5 m² of solar panels help charge the battery faster on sunny days.

✅ Is Stella Vita meant for everyday drivers?
➡️ The vehicle is still in development. The team hopes to make it available for consumers in the future.

✅ Can people live inside Stella Vita for long trips?
➡️ Yes. It includes a bed, kitchen, TV, and workspace, making long trips comfortable.

✅ What makes Stella Vita different from other electric cars?
➡️ Unlike regular EVs, Stella Vita creates its own energy using solar power, giving drivers more independence and cleaner mobility.

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Resources: https://solarteameindhoven.nl/article?presenting-our-newest-solar-vehicle-stella-vita