Dawn of a new age: World's first solar-powered and 'energy positive' car unveiled
THE world's first solar powered car which can run almost twice as far as a standard electric car has been unveiled in the Netherlands today.
The breakthrough in sustainable energy, called Stella, is fitted with large solar panels on its roof and can travel up to 420 miles.
The car can seat a family four and even without the sunshine it can travel around 250 miles.
Team Manager Lex Hoefsloot from Eindhoven University of Technology said: "35 people make up our team and we strongly believe that the car of the future is much lighter, aerodynamic and efficient.
"Solar panels are the solution for a sustainable future, and they can increase the range of your car.
"The car is still expensive because it is a prototype and it is hand-made, but when the production is scaled up, the car could be just as affordable as a normal family car. The solar cells on the roof of the car cost only €3,000 (£2,581)."
Stella is also the world's first 'energy positive' car, meaning that it produces more energy then it uses.
The ground-breaking vehicle is made from lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and weighs just 380kg - 1,120kg lighter than the average electric car.
Mr Hoefsloot added: "Because the car is standing still 90% of the time in front of your house or your office, we found out that in 10 out of the 12 months of the year, the car provided more energy than it uses.
"The car also produces twice the amount of energy needed to drive normal distances and soon our car will be granted a license plate by the Dutch authorities."