Stella Juva solar ambulance completes 500-mile test in Kenya

Stella Juva, described as the world’s first solar-powered ambulance, has successfully completed field testing in Kenya. Developed by Solar Team Eindhoven, a group of 23 students from Eindhoven University of Technology, the vehicle is designed to bring medical care to remote areas with limited infrastructure, fuel, or electricity.

During the testing phase, the team drove more than 800 kilometers (approximately 500 miles) through difficult terrain, including dusty clay roads and potholes in the Narok region. The vehicle is equipped with high-efficiency ABC solar cells and features roof-mounted panels as well as expandable side panels to increase charging capacity when stationary. Testing confirmed that the vehicle can generate enough energy to power onboard medical equipment—such as X-ray machines, ultrasound scanners, and vaccine refrigerators—simultaneously while parked.

The project was conducted in partnership with Amref Health Africa. To facilitate the testing, Cargolux provided free transportation of the vehicle from Luxembourg to Nairobi, Kenya.