A solar-powered car has completed a 1,000km (620-mile) test drive across Morocco and the Sahara.

Developers from Eindhoven University initially believed the vehicle, dubbed Stella Terra, would have a shorter range than the 550km it achieved on its maiden trip.

The car started its journey in Morocco – where it travelled through dry riverbeds and forests, and along steep mountain trails – before it reached the Sahara.

Image credit: STE Bart Van Overbeeke

“It was an incredible trip with a positive ending,” said Wisse Bos, manager of Solar Team Eindhoven. “Stella Terra’s efficiency was hard to predict. That’s why we weren’t sure if we would make it on solar power. During the ride, Stella Terra turned out to use 30 per cent less energy than expected. We were able to drive the entire trip on the...