Solar Team Eindhoven Unveils Stella Juva Solar Ambulance
Dutch student team Solar Team Eindhoven has unveiled the Stella Juva concept, the world's first ambulance fully powered by solar energy. The vehicle aims to improve medical access in regions with limited infrastructure.
EINDHOVEN, Netherlands – On July 16, 2026, the Dutch student team Solar Team Eindhoven unveiled Stella Juva, a concept vehicle designed to advance sustainable medical mobility. The vehicle is presented as the world's first ambulance that runs entirely on solar energy while powering all onboard medical equipment.
The Stella Juva concept aims to provide critical medical assistance in areas where access to healthcare is constrained by limited infrastructure and fuel availability. It offers a potential alternative to conventional ambulances in regions facing energy shortages.
Solar Team Eindhoven brings a history of solar vehicle innovation. The team has won the Cruiser class of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia four consecutive times. Previous projects include Stella Terra, the first off-road solar vehicle to travel over 1,000 km across Morocco.
"The strength of this project is that we can build on existing expertise from European experts," said Steven Swinkels, Technical & Event Manager at Solar Team Eindhoven. "We are working with local specialist partners, such as Dutch company Tuningsupply who are responsible for supplying key Wilwood brake and chassis components. This allows us to develop technologies that are ready for practical use."
In August 2026, the solar ambulance will undergo practical field tests with local non-governmental organizations. These tests will assess Stella Juva's ability to support patient care and power medical devices in locations that are challenging for conventional emergency services to reach.