Solar-powered Stella Juva ambulance delivers healthcare in rural areas
The world's first solar-powered electric ambulance, developed by Dutch students, has been successfully tested in the challenging conditions of rural Kenya.
Developed by students from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, the world's first solar-powered electric ambulance, named Stella Juva, has successfully performed duties in tests conducted in Kenya's Narok county.
The First Solar-Powered Ambulance
Developed by students from the Solar Team Eindhoven at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, Stella Juva runs entirely on integrated solar panels and holds the distinction of being the first street-legal electric ambulance.
Battery Storage and Nighttime Use
The energy obtained from the sun is stored in a 50 kWh battery. This allows the ambulance to deliver uninterrupted healthcare services even after sunset to remote areas lacking electricity and fuel infrastructure.
Field Testing in Harsh Terrain Conditions
In the initial field test conducted in Kenya's Narok region in cooperation with the international health organization Amref Health Africa, the vehicle covered more than 800 kilometers.
Medical Equipment and Capacity
Stella Juva was equipped with critical medical devices such as an X-ray machine, ultrasound, Automated External Defibrillator, and cooling equipment for vaccines. During a two-day testing process, the vehicle proved capable of providing medical care to approximately 200 people.