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Dutch Students Created a Solar-Powered SUV Called Stella Terra That Can Travel One Thousand Kilometers Without Recharging. The Car Has Autonomy, Versatility, and Efficiency for Different Terrain.
The global transport sector continues to advance in sustainable projects for the future of vehicles. Dutch students from Eindhoven University of Technology developed an innovative solar-powered SUV called Stella Terra, which recently completed a nearly one thousand kilometer test drive without the need for recharging at stations. Equipped with photovoltaic panels on the roof, the car demonstrated autonomy and the capability to tackle various terrains, representing the students’ bet on sustainable mobility. Moreover, research indicates that it is ten years ahead of current market models in terms of technology.
See: First Solar SUV in the World Completes Off-Road Test of 1,000 km
SUV Stella Terra Could Revolutionize the Transport Sector
The electrification of transport in the global market still faces significant challenges, especially regarding access to charging stations in hard-to-reach areas.
However, some Dutch students brought an innovation to the sector: a solar-powered SUV.
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With 122 hp, fuel consumption of up to 17.7 km/l, and a trunk capacity of 440 liters, this hybrid SUV impresses even though it costs up to R$ 47,000 more than the Yaris — meet the Toyota Corolla Cross.
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600 km with three Chinese plug-in SUVs, same mode and air conditioning on: Jaecoo 7, BYD Song Plus, and Haval H6 hit the road, and the pump reveals who was truly the most economical.
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With a price almost R$ 100 thousand lower, the Haval H9 surpasses the SW4 for the first time in March, but Toyota still leads in the accumulated total for 2026; the Chinese SUV bets on technology and premium finishing to compete at the top.
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6 used cars that cost less than a new Honda CG 160 Titan and still provide trunk space, four seats, and comfort that many new motorcycles cannot offer.
Equipped with photovoltaic panels on the vehicle, the Stella Terra has already traveled nearly one thousand kilometers on a test drive, from Tangier to the Sahara Desert, without needing recharging at stations.
This 4×4 SUV, developed by the team at Eindhoven University of Technology, not only has great autonomy but also has the capability to handle different terrains.
Wisse Bos, team manager of Solar Team Eindhoven, highlights that the Stella Terra exceeds technological limits, demonstrating that the transition to a sustainable future can be achieved in the coming years in the transportation sector.
The two-seater SUV is designed to withstand off-road conditions, being efficient and light enough to be powered by solar energy with minimal effort.
As the students pointed out, the energy source for the Stella Terra comes from solar panels on the vehicle’s roof, ensuring battery charging even in remote locations.
Additionally, the SUV has versatility to navigate various surfaces and could be a significant bet for the future of delivery and emergency services.
Infrastructure of the Solar-Powered SUV Impresses the Transport Market
In addition to the sustainability innovation, the Stella Terra has a top speed of nearly 150 km/h and a battery with a range of around 700 kilometers on normal roads and 550 kilometers on various terrains on sunny days.
Even in overcast conditions, autonomy can reach up to 50 kilometers, as the researchers highlighted.
During the recent test, the solar-powered car consumed 30% less energy than expected, reinforcing its efficiency.
According to Bos, the Stella Terra is a decade ahead of conventional cars in the market.
Additionally, it features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for shorter trips on less sunny days.
Now, the expectation is that the Stella Terra will inspire car manufacturers to rethink their designs and innovate in sustainability worldwide.
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