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The world’s first solar-powered ambulance, Stella Juva, has been developed by students from Solar Team Eindhoven at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. The ambulance is a fully integrated solar-powered electric vehicle that can keep driving and deliver healthcare in remote areas because the solar energy it generates is stored in a 50 kWh battery. The vehicle was tested in Kenya where it covered more than 800km driving around various field locations and proved that it can operate in an energy independent manner, generating more solar energy than it consumed while using all of its medical equipment.
World’s First Solar-Powered Ambulance Launches
The first-ever solar-powered ambulance has begun operations. Stella Juva, as it’s known, is a groundbreaking initiative towards sustainable healthcare. It was developed by students from Solar Team Eindhoven at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and functions as an electric vehicle powered by integrated solar panels.
The ambulance stores solar energy in a 50kWh battery, facilitating uninterrupted healthcare delivery in remote areas, regardless of available infrastructure. Unlike traditional ambulances, Stella Juva provides mobile healthcare directly to patients.
Yarno Basten of Solar Team Eindhoven explains, “When the ambulance reaches a dispensary, solar panels can be extended from its side. This generates additional energy and provides shade. While stationary, the ambulance produces more solar energy than used by its medical equipment.”
First Practical Test for the Solar Ambulance
Stella Juva underwent its first practical test with the international health organization Amref Health Africa, covering over 800km in the Narok region of Kenya. Despite facing challenging roads and off-road terrains, the solar ambulance proved capable of long-distance travel.
Stella Juva – the ‘Energy Independent’ Ambulance
The solar-power ambulance is fitted with crucial medical equipment for remote locations, including an X-ray machine, ultrasound, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and cooling equipment for vaccines. During a two-day trial, it could have catered to approximately 200 people. The ambulance generated more energy than it consumed, marking its ability to operate independently.
Team manager Mathijs van Gerven said, “It’s incredible to see the potential of Stella Juva in practice. In remote areas where energy is often scarce, this could make all the difference.”
Enormous Potential Impact on Healthcare
Geoffrey Sadera, a project leader at Amref Health Africa, acknowledged that Stella Juva could revolutionize healthcare in areas like Narok, where electricity is unreliable. Stella Juva could potentially offer an ultrasound scan for up to 40 pregnant women during a single outreach, potentially saving many lives.
Sadera added, “If we could deploy Stella Juva in these areas, the potential impact could be enormous: we could identify risks earlier, intervene sooner, and ultimately save lives.”
With the successful test behind them, the research team is keen to drive societal change by inspiring businesses, social organizations, and governments to explore scaling up the invention.
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