Dutch Startup to Produce Electric Car with Integrated Solar Charging
June 29th, 2017Disclosure: I sell solar power systems in New Zealand.
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I can’t see how a sedan is going to have enough surface area to make this work. Why not try it on something like a Nissan E-NV200? Nontrivial levels of PV generation would be possible from that.
Oh boy, I want a used E-NV200 so bad. I’ve been keeping my eye on them for a couple of years. There’s a 7 seater out now. It’s almost enough to make me want to get a “real” job for a while. *gasp* There are devices that allow people with home solar power systems to charge their electric vehicles only when there is sufficient PV generation. In other words, once the loads in your house are covered, you charge your car instead of getting paid next to nothing for exporting your solar power to the grid.
That’s going to make much more sense than placing the PV cells directly on the car, at least for the next several years.
But I salute these freaks anyway and wish them the best of luck.
Via: Inhabitat:
The solar-powered Lightyear One can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge. Other automakers have unveiled electric cars with solar panels on the roof, but none of them have been able to propel a car as far as Lightyear’s new vehicle.
The integrated solar cells on the roof of the Lightyear One will generate enough energy to recharge the battery during the day, rendering charging virtually unnecessary. In sunny climates, the car can drive for months without charging, but if you need to travel further, you can also charge it using a standard power socket.
