Kenya Test Run Proves World's First Solar Ambulance Can Go the Distance

No roads? No fuel? No problem for the Stella Juva.

The Stella Juva is the world's first all-solar ambulance. It was engineered by 23 college students. They attend Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. They call themselves “Solar Team Eindhoven.” They tested their invention August 28, driving it both on-road and off in a remote part of the African nation of Kenya.

"It is really great for the team to see the potential of Stella Juva in practice," Mathijs van Gerven told Medical Xpress. "Especially in remote areas where energy is often scarce, this can make all the difference." Van Gerven is the team's manager.

The Stella Juva runs on solar power alone. During its trial, the sleek black, white, and yellow vehicle reached top speeds of 75 miles per hour. It had a range of 444 miles. It has onboard batteries. They ensure that the Stella Juva can run at night or on overcast days. When tested, it actually generated more electricity than it used.

The ambulance is equipped with tuberculosis tests and storage for vaccines and other drugs. It carries an X-ray machine and an ultrasound. During the test, students ran all of its tech without issue. Over the two-day test, they estimate that the Stella Juva could have treated up to 200 people.

Solar Team Eindhoven hopes to roll out fleets of Stella Juvas in the future. They aim to deploy them to remote areas of Africa. Medical care is often scarce there. It can be hard to find refueling stations for gas powered ambulances, too. 

"This vehicle will be a game changer," Geoffrey Sadera told Agence France-Presse. He works for Amref Health Africa, an organization that supports maternal and child health.

Reflect: If you could invent something to solve a problem in your community, what would it be?

Photo of solar ambulance courtesy of Eindhoven University of technology press release.