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Many of us love travelling, especially during weekends people love to go for long drives during weekends. However, with increasing fuel prices and harm to the environment, people are moving towards electric vehicles. But the problem with electric vehicles is that despite being eco-friendly these vehicles need charging after driving for specific kilometres. In the absence of a charging facility, it is impossible to drive these vehicles. Keeping all these problems in concern,  22 students at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, have developed a campervan that runs on solar energy.

 

 

Named “Stella Vita” this campervan is referred to as a “self-sustaining house on wheels” this van has been tested on European highways. Till now, it has travelled 1,242 miles (2,000 kilometres) without any need for charging or filling fuel. The campervan has everything to offer comfortable travelling and amenities required at a home like a sofa, double bed, cooking area, a washroom with a shower, toilet and sink. It s suitable for two people. The campervan has solar panels mounted on its top to receive power from the sun.

 

Speaking about the idea of developing this campervan, Tijn Ter Horst, a 21-year-old student and a member of the developing team said, "The main goal is to really inspire people and the market and society to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable future: Moving ahead, Horst also added, "What we're trying to do is to show people and show companies what's already possible”.

 

 

To develop this van, the team started working on the project in September 2020 and finally developed its design in two months. Between November 2020 and March 2021, the team started working on designing the campervan and worked hard to give it an aerodynamic look and retain its lightweight.

 

Well, speaking about the features of the campervan, it can travel up to 600 kilometres with a 60 kWh battery charged fully. It would be interesting to know that with a fully charged battery, it is easier to drive the campervan even during the night and on cloudy days. On a sunny day, the range of the van increases extra up to 130 kilometres. At the time of parking, it is possible to fold the extended roof. At that time, the extra solar panels come out from the sides. During parking, it is possible to track the energy consumption of the vehicle with the help of an in-built infotainment system.