About

The Soleva adventure

A project born from a passion for nature and engineering, driven by a team of Swiss engineers.

Our mission

Promote solar electric mobility and sustainable travel by transforming an old vehicle into an electric van powered by photovoltaic solar energy.

Our vision

Inspire society towards a more sustainable transition in mobility, energy, travel and vehicle design.

Our story

Soleva started in 2021 when Curdin Wüthrich, a physics graduate from EPFL, and four friends - all passionate about nature and sustainability - decided to tackle a challenge: convert an old 1987 diesel van into a 100% solar-powered electric camper. The idea came from their shared experience as nature photographers, traveling in fossil-fuel vans while advocating for the environment.

Education and sustainable technology

Soleva trains current and future engineers, takes part in events about renewable energy and educates people about sustainable travel. The project promotes slow travel and demonstrates how low-tech solutions can be integrated into a small home on wheels.

Project figures — first prototype overview

More than 13 people involved, 8 student projects, over 30 media appearances, 11 sponsors and partners, more than CHF 120,000 raised and over 130 crowdfunding contributors: Soleva’s published overview of its first prototype.