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Soleva wants to demonstrate and enable an accessible transition to the travel mobility of the future. Rather than building a new car, we are a group of 9 engineers that transform a van at the end of its life to the most sustainable home on wheels, 100% self-solar powered, from driving to cooking. With a eco-friendly, self-sufficient and cosy interior habitat, travelling is accessible with a footprint reduced by more than 80% compared to current solutions. THE PROBLEM : TRAVELING VS FOOTPRINTAdventure runs deep through our veins, but our love for nature has made us question the environmental impact of traveling. More and more, we have found ourselves trading in planes for camper vans and exploring places closer to home.This trend of leisure vehicles has exploded over the past years, with a yearly increase of 20% on newly sold vehicles and a total of 2.4 millions vehicles in circulation. If you consider also LCV (Light Commercial Vehicles) in general, this sums up to 28 million.However, even this behavior has an environmental price because today, 99% of these vehicles in Europe are still fossil fueled. Personal transportation accounts for 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland (OFEV, 2017), and leisure vehicles have twice the impact of normal cars due to their size and weight.On top of that, the EU has announced a ban on fossil powered cars by 2035, and other countries as early as 2025. A transition in mobility becomes unavoidable. Still, very few solutions exist nowadays for travel vehicles, and responsible choices force us to compromise between adventure and environmental ethics.POTENTIAL CUSTOMERSSo what should we do? Discarding all the existing vehicles and replace them with new electric ones with a significant financial burden is not a solution. It's about adapting and reusing. This market, from individual owners to large fleets are all potential customers of what Soleva is proposing. But not only, because we also want to inspire and educate society and the industry to an affordable and more sustainable solution.OUR SOLUTIONThat's why a team of 9 experienced and young engineers have set off to create Soleva : to enable this transition by building the most sustainable travel camper, powered 100% by solar energy produced on board. An old van at the end of the road gets converted to an electric vehicle with an innovative deployable solar roof, a belly full of batteries and a cosy, eco-friendly and self-sufficient interior habitat.SOLUTION IMPLEMENTATION PROCESSA MOBILE SOLAR PLANT ON WHEELSSoleva is a one of a kind demonstrator of the possibilities to transition to a sustainable mobility. First, the gasoline engine of an old utility van is replaced by an electric motor, a process also known as retrofitting. Then, a deployable and tilting solar array on the roof of the van allows us to power it 100% on renewable energy carried on board. Battery packs on the base of the car allow to store the energy for driving and complete this solar electrical van.To show that this process is possible with any leisure vehicle, we are building our prototype with a van from 1987. What is starting with a prototype should serve as an inspiration for society and industry.HIGH EFFICIENCY & LIGHT-WEIGHT SOLAR PANELSOur design optimizes the energy conversion efficiency from solar to battery and propulsion, allowing for high autonomy while minimizing the amount of batteries required. We are collaborating with the CSEM institute, who has built the solar PV panels for the SolarImpulse plane, to build the best solution possible. By collaborating with experienced professionals and local authorities, we are sure to satisfy Switzerland's legal requirements and road safety regulations. SMART AND SELF-SUSTAINED LIVINGOur eco-friendly yet comfortable living space will not lack any of the key elements of a home: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. A maximum of low-tech and smart solutions will be integrated such as a recirculating shower to reduce water consumption, a composting toilet, an inertial mass stove for heating and more.LOCAL AND REUSED MATERIALSThe environmental impact of our living space is reduced to a minimum by using plant-based, reused and recycled materials such as cork and wool for insulation and reclaimed wood for the furniture.ECOLOGICAL IMPACTAfter carrying out a complete Life Cycle Assessment, we henceforth know that the retrofit of a vehicle with solar propulsion reduces carbon emissions by 81% compared to the purchase of a new fossil-fueled vehicle. Scaled to the EU and the 2.4 millions of vehicles, the self-produced solar energy, that would generate the equivalent in energy of 2 nuclear plants, just by standing there.In addition, on a base of 30.000 kilometers that can be driven per year with the 5.8kWp of solar power, our solution would save up to 13.65 tons of CO2 eq for a single van.STATE OF THE ARTA handful of similar projects exist in the world, of which we could reach out to most and learn a lot about the feasibility of our project. And none of them have truly developed an efficient solution to travel vehicle integrated photovoltaic all with the goal in mind to enable an affordable transition. IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT TECHNOLOGY, BUT ABOUT AWARENESS Change needs to happen, not only by providing a converted car but by raising awareness through the current and next generation. That's why Soleva wants to strongly integrate students in developing valuable skills and knowledge to tackle to substantial problems we are facing. Also, by performing a Swiss demonstration tour with the prototype, we will perform talks and presentations to educate a large part of the population to the environmental impact of travelling and sustainable solutions.WHAT WAS DONE SO FARThe project started with a lot of research and a long feasibility study to make sure that it is launched on the right path. The technology assembly was analyzed, particularly through a extensive Life cycle assessment. At the same time, we've established strong partnerships with industrialists partners, both for technical and financial support.We have now received the main components needed for the electrification of our van: the electrical motor, the batteries, etc. After the manufacturing of custom pieces for the connection between the new motor and the existing transmission, as well as finalisation of the electrical bench-tests, all components will be implemented in the van to complete the electrification.WORK PACKAGES & BUDGETWP1 [Finalised]1.1 Buying the van1.2 Rehabilitation and Swiss certification 1.3 Find a workspaceWP2 [ongoing]2.1 Engine replacement2.2 Battery integration2.3 System testingWP3 [ongoing]3.1 Design and build the folding structure3.2 Design and fabricate PV panels3.3 Legal proofing and homologationWP44 Design and craft the living space with smart and low-tech solutions WP55 Promotion tour and awareness runThe WP1 is now complete and our van passed the official certification. Thanks to the support of the Energylab, we are now well onto the next stage of the project, which consists of electrifying the vehicle.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: Soleva - The Solar Electric Van
• Date: 5/31/2022 9:29:49 PM
• Administrators:
  • Quentin DORLÉAT

Project Idea Description

THE PROBLEM : TRAVELING VS FOOTPRINT

Adventure runs deep through our veins, but our love for nature has made us question the environmental impact of traveling. More and more, we have found ourselves trading in planes for camper vans and exploring places closer to home.

This trend of leisure vehicles has exploded over the past years, with a yearly increase of 20% on newly sold vehicles and a total of 2.4 millions vehicles in circulation. If you consider also LCV (Light Commercial Vehicles) in general, this sums up to 28 million.

However, even this behavior has an environmental price because today, 99% of these vehicles in Europe are still fossil fueled. Personal transportation accounts for 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland (OFEV, 2017), and leisure vehicles have twice the impact of normal cars due to their size and weight.

On top of that, the EU has announced a ban on fossil powered cars by 2035, and other countries as early as 2025. A transition in mobility becomes unavoidable.

Still, very few solutions exist nowadays for travel vehicles, and responsible choices force us to compromise between adventure and environmental ethics.

POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS

So what should we do? Discarding all the existing vehicles and replace them with new electric ones with a significant financial burden is not a solution. It's about adapting and reusing. This market, from individual owners to large fleets are all potential customers of what Soleva is proposing. But not only, because we also want to inspire and educate society and the industry to an affordable and more sustainable solution.

OUR SOLUTION

That's why a team of 9 experienced and young engineers have set off to create Soleva : to enable this transition by building the most sustainable travel camper, powered 100% by solar energy produced on board. An old van at the end of the road gets converted to an electric vehicle with an innovative deployable solar roof, a belly full of batteries and a cosy, eco-friendly and self-sufficient interior habitat.

SOLUTION IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

A MOBILE SOLAR PLANT ON WHEELS

Soleva is a one of a kind demonstrator of the possibilities to transition to a sustainable mobility. First, the gasoline engine of an old utility van is replaced by an electric motor, a process also known as retrofitting. Then, a deployable and tilting solar array on the roof of the van allows us to power it 100% on renewable energy carried on board. Battery packs on the base of the car allow to store the energy for driving and complete this solar electrical van.

To show that this process is possible with any leisure vehicle, we are building our prototype with a van from 1987. What is starting with a prototype should serve as an inspiration for society and industry.

HIGH EFFICIENCY & LIGHT-WEIGHT SOLAR PANELS

Our design optimizes the energy conversion efficiency from solar to battery and propulsion, allowing for high autonomy while minimizing the amount of batteries required. We are collaborating with the CSEM institute, who has built the solar PV panels for the SolarImpulse plane, to build the best solution possible. By collaborating with experienced professionals and local authorities, we are sure to satisfy Switzerland's legal requirements and road safety regulations.

SMART AND SELF-SUSTAINED LIVING

Our eco-friendly yet comfortable living space will not lack any of the key elements of a home: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room.

A maximum of low-tech and smart solutions will be integrated such as a recirculating shower to reduce water consumption, a composting toilet, an inertial mass stove for heating and more.

LOCAL AND REUSED MATERIALS

The environmental impact of our living space is reduced to a minimum by using plant-based, reused and recycled materials such as cork and wool for insulation and reclaimed wood for the furniture.

ECOLOGICAL IMPACT

After carrying out a complete Life Cycle Assessment, we henceforth know that the retrofit of a vehicle with solar propulsion reduces carbon emissions by 81% compared to the purchase of a new fossil-fueled vehicle. Scaled to the EU and the 2.4 millions of vehicles, the self-produced solar energy, that would generate the equivalent in energy of 2 nuclear plants, just by standing there.

In addition, on a base of 30.000 kilometers that can be driven per year with the 5.8kWp of solar power, our solution would save up to 13.65 tons of CO2 eq for a single van.

STATE OF THE ART

A handful of similar projects exist in the world, of which we could reach out to most and learn a lot about the feasibility of our project. And none of them have truly developed an efficient solution to travel vehicle integrated photovoltaic all with the goal in mind to enable an affordable transition.

IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT TECHNOLOGY, BUT ABOUT AWARENESS

Change needs to happen, not only by providing a converted car but by raising awareness through the current and next generation. That's why Soleva wants to strongly integrate students in developing valuable skills and knowledge to tackle to substantial problems we are facing. Also, by performing a Swiss demonstration tour with the prototype, we will perform talks and presentations to educate a large part of the population to the environmental impact of travelling and sustainable solutions.

WHAT WAS DONE SO FAR

The project started with a lot of research and a long feasibility study to make sure that it is launched on the right path. The technology assembly was analyzed, particularly through a extensive Life cycle assessment. At the same time, we've established strong partnerships with industrialists partners, both for technical and financial support.

We have now received the main components needed for the electrification of our van: the electrical motor, the batteries, etc. After the manufacturing of custom pieces for the connection between the new motor and the existing transmission, as well as finalisation of the electrical bench-tests, all components will be implemented in the van to complete the electrification.

WORK PACKAGES & BUDGET

WP1 [Finalised]

1.1 Buying the van

1.2 Rehabilitation and Swiss certification

1.3 Find a workspace

WP2 [ongoing]

2.1 Engine replacement

2.2 Battery integration

2.3 System testing

WP3 [ongoing]

3.1 Design and build the folding structure

3.2 Design and fabricate PV panels

3.3 Legal proofing and homologation

WP4

4 Design and craft the living space with smart and low-tech solutions

WP5

5 Promotion tour and awareness run

The WP1 is now complete and our van passed the official certification. Thanks to the support of the Energylab, we are now well onto the next stage of the project, which consists of electrifying the vehicle.

Soleva wants to demonstrate and enable an accessible transition to the travel mobility of the future. Rather than building a new car, we are a group of 9 engineers that transform a van at the end of its life to the most sustainable home on wheels, 100% self-solar powered, from driving to cooking. With a eco-friendly, self-sufficient and cosy interior habitat, travelling is accessible with a footprint reduced by more than 80% compared to current solutions.