dezeen.com | Original Article | by Marcus Fairs

News: a vehicle described as "the world's first solar-powered family car" has come first in a photovoltaic-powered race across Australia (+ slideshow).

Stella, a four-seater car developed by Solar Team Eindhoven from theEindhoven University of Technology(TU/e) in the Netherlands, today claimed victory in the Cruiser class at the World Solar Challenge 2013.

The vehicle completed the 3,000 km journey with an average of three people on board at an average of 67 km/h and a top speed of 120 km/h.

The Cruiser class, a new category at the biannual World Solar Challenge, was inaugurated in order to encourage the development of commercially viable solar-powered vehicles. Whereas other categories focus on speed alone, the Cruiser class takes into account practicality for everyday use.

"The team was judged on several aspects like comfort, features, styling and aesthetics but also parallel parking and cargo space," said Solar Team Eindhoven. "Being the only one with a license plate, the road registration of Stella added up in the final score."

“I congratulate Team Eindhoven on their innovation, practical design and foresight, to think outside the square and add the extra seats," said World Solar Challenge director Chris Selwood. "‘Stella’ is a wonderful solar car in a field of exceptional cars and teams. I look forward to 2015 and the prospect of more cruisers as we work toward the world’s most efficient electric car." Read More...