The vehicle was developed by a team of 23 students from Eindhoven University of Technology and two other institutions in the Netherlands.
Although it is called an ambulance, Stella Juva functions more like a mobile clinic. Rather than transporting patients, it carries medical equipment and the energy needed to operate the equipment in areas where access to healthcare services is limited.
The vehicle is fitted with solar panels on its roof, allowing it to generate electricity while travelling. When stationary, additional solar panels can be extended to collect more energy.
Stella Juva is equipped with medical equipment including an X-ray machine, an ultrasound device and a refrigerator for storing vaccines.
During trials in Kenya conducted in partnership with Amref Health Africa, the vehicle travelled more than 800 kilometres, including a journey to the Mosiro Health Centre in southwestern Kenya, which does not have access to electricity.
The developers said that while stationary, the vehicle generated more electricity than all of its medical equipment could consume when operating simultaneously.
The trial demonstrated the potential of the solar-powered vehicle to provide healthcare services in areas where conventional fuel and charging infrastructure are unavailable.
The team behind Stella Juva says the vehicle can provide medical services to as many as 200 people over a two-day period.
