A team of 23 students at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands has developed what the source describes as the world’s first solar-powered ambulance, named Stella JuvA. Designed to help deliver emergency medical care in remote parts of Africa, the vehicle uses solar panels to power both driving and medical equipment inside the ambulance.

The project targets areas with limited electricity supplies, where conventional fuel dependence and the operation of medical devices can be difficult. The ambulance carries an X-ray machine, ultrasound scanner, automated external defibrillator and other emergency-care equipment. This could allow initial examinations and urgent treatment to be provided at an incident site instead of only transporting patients to hospital.

Stella JuvA is a two-seat vehicle with a top speed of about 120 kilometres per hour, although its central purpose is service delivery in difficult, electricity-deprived locations rather than speed. The team plans to test the ambulance in Kenya in collaboration with African health organisation Amref Health Africa. The developers hope successful trials will improve access to emergency healthcare in remote African communities.