World's first solar-powered motorhome travels around Europe

The Stella Vita – the world’s first solar-powered motorhome – has successfully travelled from Eindhoven in the Netherlands to Tarifa in Spain.

The model – which is described as a ‘self-sustaining house on wheels’ – was created by students from the Eindhoven University of Technology, and is capable of creating enough solar energy for occupants to both live and drive on.

The Stella Vita with its roof raised and solar panels extended.

Solar panels are positioned on the roof, removing the need to visit any charging stations. When the vehicle is stationary, the roof can slide up, providing some valuable space for indoor activities, while additional panels slide out when the roof is raised, doubling the solar capabilities.

With efficient use, this allows the solar-powered motorhome to travel as much as 730km (around 453 miles) on a sunny day, while the electricity generated allows other home comforts, including the coffee machine and television, to operate.

The motorhome also has a comfortable interior, complete with a double bed, sofa and kitchen area, while the bathroom features a shower, sink and toilet.

Designed to be lightweight, the Stella Vita is shaped like a droplet – this is to ensure there is as little air resistance as possible to improve efficiency.

Kjell Revenberg, team manager of Solar Team Eindhoven, said: “To accelerate this transition we are going to inspire as many people in Europe as possible for a sustainable future during our journey”.

The team has travelled from Eindhoven in the Netherlands to Tarifa in Spain, stopping along the way at places including Brussels, Le Mans and Zaragoza. In total, the Stella Vita was able to drive nearly 2000km of the near 3000km route, managing to overcome initial technical issues to complete the trip. You can find out more about the journey here.

Photo credits: Bart von Overbeeke

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To accelerate this transition we are going to inspire as many people in Europe as possible for a sustainable future during our journey

Peter Byrne

Peter is the Content Editor for Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome. With over half a decade of experience as a digital editor, Peter’s expertise spans from interiors and homes to food and design. Writing for the website – and occasionally the magazine – Peter oversees the online buying guides, features and news. His career to-date has seen him do everything from launching websites to giving a speech to 250 people at the Tower of London with less than 24 hours notice.