The world’s 1st off-road solar-powered car tested in Morocco

Stella Terra, the world’s first solar powered car, has been tested in Morocco. Designed by students from Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands), the lightweight vehicle has completed lately a 1,000 km trip from Northern Morocco to its Sahara without recharging.

The test drive showed that the car can drive long distances with stopping at EV charging stations. The aerodynamic car is powered with the energy provided by multiple solar panels on its roof. It has a top speed of 145 km/h, weighs 1,200 kg and has a range of at least 710 km on a sunny day.

The car uses a rechargeable lithium battery which allows it to operate in less sunny climates but over shorter distances. Its solar panels can provide sufficient electricity for cooking and charging devices such as a phone or camera.

Wisse Bos, team manager of Solar Team Eindhoven, said: “We are pushing the boundaries of technology,” voicing hope that this experience would inspire giant car manufacturers to make it a more sustainable industry.