A new type of solar paint applied to the surface of electric vehicles could generate electricity for 12,000 kilometers or more per year. The Mercedes-Benz research division is testing the use of solar paint on all exterior surfaces of its electric cars to increase their range.
At 5 micrometres, they are significantly thinner than a human hair, weigh just 50 grams per square meter and are full of energy. Mercedes-Benz is researching new types of solar modules which - similar to a wafer-thin paste - could be seamlessly applied to the surface of the bodywork of electric vehicles. The photovoltaic-active surface can be applied to any substrate. The solar cells have an efficiency of 20 percent and are therefore highly efficient. An area of 11 square meters (equivalent to the surface area of a mid-size SUV) could produce energy for up to 12,000 kilometers per year under ideal conditions[1]. The energy generated by the solar cells is used for driving or fed directly into the high-voltage battery. The photovoltaic system is permanently active and also generates energy when the vehicle is switched off. It could therefore offer a very effective solution for longer ranges and fewer charging stops in the future.
Yield of solar paint for electric cars depends on the sun
The yield depends on shading, sun intensity and geographical location. Here are two examples: Statistically, Mercedes-Benz drivers in Stuttgart cover an average of 52 kilometers a day. Around 62 percent of this mileage would be covered by solar energy. In Los Angeles, there is even a surplus of energy due to solar radiation. On average, the Mercedes driver could cover 100 percent of his driving distance with solar energy. The surplus could be fed directly into the domestic grid via bidirectional charging.
Mercedes-Benz is researching the use of solar paint
The solar paint not only has a high efficiency potential. It is free of rare earths, contains no silicon and only non-toxic and readily available raw materials. It could easily be recycled and is considerably cheaper to produce than conventional solar modules. The Mercedes-Benz research department is currently working intensively on making it possible to use the new type of solar paint on all exterior surfaces of the vehicle - regardless of their shape and angle of inclination.
