Imagine a future where your electric vehicle is not just powered by electricity but by the very sunlight that hits its surface. Well, if all goes well with the ground-breaking technology by Mercedes Benz, this could soon become a reality.
Mercedes-Benz Develops Solar Paint for Electric Vehicles, Turning Every Inch into an Energy Source
The company is currently working on a technology to apply solar paint to electric vehicles (EVs), which would turn every inch of its exterior into an energy-harvesting machine, whether parked or driving!
The paint is made of a thin, flexible photovoltaic material that weighs only 50 grams per square meter and is just 5 micrometres thick. Mercedes envisions that an average midsize SUV could harvest enough energy to travel up to 7,456 miles annually under ideal conditions, though the actual amount will depend on sunlight exposure.
This solar paint, unlike traditional solar panels, can bend around the curves of a car which would offer more coverage than rigid glass panels. The paint is part of a multi-layer coating, including a solar-active material, insulation, and a top layer resembling a butterfly’s wing, which is highly translucent and filled with nanoparticles. This allows for different car colours while still enabling sunlight absorption.
The energy harvested would be directed to the EV’s battery, and in some sunny areas like Los Angeles, it could cover the entire daily driving distance.
Mercedes’ Eco-Friendly Solar Paint for EVs Aims to Address Charging Concerns and Boost Consumer Adoption
This solar paint, unlike the conventional solar panels, won’t use rare earth metals or toxic materials, making it more environmentally friendly and easier to recycle. It would also address common EV charging concerns, reducing reliance on charging networks and home installations. Mercedes hopes this technology will boost consumer acceptance of EVs.
Though still in development, the company is confident it will eventually make solar paint a cost-effective and viable option for EVs, enhancing their appeal and functionality.
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Summary
Mercedes-Benz is developing solar paint for electric vehicles (EVs) that turns the car’s exterior into an energy source. This thin, flexible photovoltaic material could enable an SUV to harvest enough energy for 7,456 miles annually. Unlike traditional panels, it bends around curves, is eco-friendly, and addresses charging concerns, potentially reducing reliance on charging stations while enhancing EV adoption.
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