The 4-seater solar-powered family car of the future

Solar Team Eindhoven has developed a “family car” which is not only powered by the sun, but generates more energy than it uses. Its name: the Stella Lux.

The Stella Lux was developed to compete in the World Solar Challenge, due to take take place in Australia later in 2015, and took inspiration from the team’s 2013 solar car – Stella.

The four-seater vehicle has a range of 1,000km on a single charge, and employs a Solar Navigator system which collects weather data and gives you suggestions for an “optimal route” while driving.

Solar panels on the roof of the car, measuring 5.8 square metres in area, provide the necessary driving power – while energy storage is taken care of by a battery capacity of 15kWh.

Top speed

Thanks to its aerodynamic and lightweight design, the Stella Lux can reach speeds of 125km/h.

The solar car is made out of carbon fibre and aluminium and weighs in at just 375kg, while an aerodynamic “tunnel” running through the middle of the vehicle helps it crack the 120km/h mark by reducing wind resistance.

Power is provided by two in-wheel axial flux motors which can deliver up to 15kW, while the wheels they power are Schwalbe Solar Energizer 90/80/16s.

“We see a future where everybody drives a solar car, where all cars produce energy instead of consuming it,” said Solar Team Eindhoven.

Stella Lux photo gallery

Photos courtesy of TU Eindhoven: Bart van Overbeeke.

The video below shows the unveiling of the Stella Lux.

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