Developed at Eindhoven University of Technology, the ‘Stella Juva’ ambulance integrates built-in solar generation to support both propulsion and onboard medical equipment. The prototype vehicle is expected to be road-ready in 2026 and is intended for use in remote or infrastructure-limited settings.
The project uses AIKO’s all back-contact (ABC) cell architecture, which eliminates front-side metallisation to maximise light capture. Alongside higher absorption, the design reduces mechanical stress points and supports long-term durability, an advantage that becomes more significant beyond standard rooftop applications and in more demanding operating conditions.
Battery-swapping e-vans link urban mobility and grid flexibility
“Stella Juva pushes the boundaries of what solar technology can achieve in real-world applications,” said David Komdeur, photovoltaics engineer at Solar Team Eindhoven, pointing to efficiency and reliability as central to the selection of AIKO’s technology.
The partnership is part of AIKO’s ongoing work with solar mobility teams, who are tasked with taking solar mobility from competition platforms into real-world applications. In this case, integrating back-contact cell technology into a functional vehicle offers a practical test case for how high-efficiency PV can support energy supply in mobile settings with limited infrastructure. (TF)
