Solar ambulance Stella Juva completes Kenya test run

Dutch students said their solar-powered ambulance Stella Juva completed a successful test run in Kenya on Friday, after being driven more than 800 kilometres and tested off-road and for healthcare delivery.

The two-seat vehicle has roof-mounted solar panels that power its engine and a solar-charged battery intended to keep the ambulance and its medical equipment working at night or in cloudy conditions. It carries tuberculosis testing kits, cooled vaccine storage, X-ray machines and an ultrasound scanner.

The project is designed to bring medical care to patients in remote areas rather than mainly transport them to hospitals. Amref Health Africa, which partnered on the project and focuses on maternal and child health, said the vehicle could be a “game changer”.

Student Isabella Wanningen told AFP the trial covered more than 800 kilometres. The team says the ambulance can handle off-road terrain, reach 120 km/h and travel about 715 kilometres on a sunny day.