Solar-powered ambulance 'Stella Juva' slated for Kenya field test

A team of 23 engineering students from the Technical University of Eindhoven has built "Stella Juva", the world’s first ambulance that runs entirely on solar power. Rooftop solar panels charge a 50 kWh battery that powers both the vehicle’s electric motor and onboard medical devices such as an AED, a portable X‑ray unit and other emergency equipment. In optimal sunlight the ambulance can travel up to 715 km without external charging, making it suitable for regions with limited fuel or electricity supplies.

The developers plan a practical field trial in August 2026 in Kenya, in partnership with Amref Health Africa and supported by Dutch and Kenyan officials. During the test the vehicle will be taken to remote sites where healthcare workers will simulate treatments for tuberculosis, malaria, vaccinations and other services, demonstrating the ability to bring care directly to patients rather than transporting them to hospitals. Team members Mathijs van Gerven and Femke Maurits highlighted the importance of reliable energy for keeping vaccines cold and operating diagnostic equipment in off‑grid settings. The project aims to inspire wider adoption of solar‑driven mobile health solutions for underserved communities worldwide.