The main concern of today's e-car drivers is where to find charging stations. In the relevant forums, they discuss which route they can take to Lake Garda and back without running out of juice. The "Solar Team Eindhoven" has no such concerns, because the camper they have developed and built as a prototype gets its electrical energy from the solar panels on the vehicle. Additional PV modules can be extended during stops. Logically, the awnings also capture solar energy and store it in the battery.

600 kilometers a day, even in the rain

The media release promises that Stella Vita can cover up to 730 kilometers in one day if you ride in an energy-saving manner. This probably doesn't include driving the motorhome at its top speed of 120 km/h. But if need be, the Solar Camper can be driven at a brisk pace. The vehicle has obviously also been aerodynamically optimized. A camper with less air resistance would be hard to find.

Of course, there was more than enough sun, especially in Spain. Even at full speed, the van stores more electrical energy than it needs to move forward, the young engineers proudly announce. But what about in the rain? Do you have to stop then? "The solar panels supply the battery system with energy. That's why it's possible to ride up to 600 kilometers with a full battery, even in the rain," explains team leader Kjell Revenberg when asked.

The Stella Vita weighs 1700 kg. What effect does it have on performance when a biking couple takes all their equipment with them? The extra weight is not a problem, answers Kjell, and there is enough space inside the camper. According to the Dutchman, however, attaching the bikes to the outside is not an option, as this would disrupt the aerodynamics.

Further information: solarteameindhoven.nl