Solar-Powered SUV Completes 620-Mile Journey to the Sahara

Stella Terra, the world’s first off-road solar-powered car, has completed a 620-mile journey to the Sahara desert, showcasing the potential for charging-infrastructure independent vehicles. Designed by the Solar Team at Eindhoven University in the Netherlands, the SUV weighs 25% less than conventional models, reducing the need for a large battery.

The vehicle, known as Stella Terra, weighs 2,645 pounds and has a range of 390 miles on a sunny day. The off-road capabilities were tested in the rugged Rif mountain range and Sahara desert. The solar panels were highly efficient, making the vehicle a third more efficient than expected. The project aims to inspire automakers to create more environmentally friendly and charging-independent vehicles.