This is exciting technology that if brought into production could revolutionize charging an EV,
Mercedes is researching future solar painting
Using a new type of solar paint, Mercedes-Benz wants to offer an option in the future that can generate electricity for up to 12,000 kilometers. To this end, research is being carried out into new types of solar modules that will be applied to the bodywork in a similar way to a paste.
Mercedes-Benz is currently working on new types of solar modules that could play an important role in the energy supply of electric vehicles in the future. At just 5 micrometers thick, these innovative solar cells are significantly thinner than a human hair and weigh just 50 grams per square meter. Despite their small size and lightness, they are said to be extremely efficient and could play an important role in increasing the range of electric vehicles.
The solar cells have an efficiency of 20 percent. An area of 11 square meters, which corresponds to the surface of a typical mid-size SUV , could, under optimal conditions, generate enough energy to drive up to 12,000 kilometers annually - according to Mercedes-Benz. This means that the solar cells not only serve as an additional energy source, but also feed directly into the vehicle battery to support the operation of the vehicle. Interestingly, the solar system is permanently active and generates energy even when the vehicle is turned off.
However, the actual yield of the solar modules depends on various factors, such as the intensity of the sun, the geographical location and shading by other objects. Two examples illustrate the potential benefits of this technology: In Stuttgart, most drivers drive an average of 52 kilometers per day. Around 62 percent of this distance could be covered by the solar energy from the solar modules. In regions with more intense sunlight, such as Los Angeles, the energy yield could even be so high that the entire distance could be covered by solar energy. In addition, the excess electricity could be fed into the driver's home network via bidirectional charging, which leads to further use of the energy generated.
A particularly interesting feature of the solar modules is their environmentally friendly and sustainable design. Unlike conventional solar modules, which often rely on silicon or rare earths, Mercedes-Benz's solar paint uses non-toxic, readily available raw materials. This reduces the need for rare materials and makes the production of the modules more cost-effective and less resource-intensive. In addition, the solar paint is fully recyclable, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solar cells.
Mercedes-Benz is working hard to enable the use of these solar panels on all external surfaces of a vehicle, regardless of the shape or angle of the surface. This would mean that the solar panels could be applied not only to the roof, but also to the sides and other areas of a vehicle. This flexibility in installation is a significant step towards widespread use of the technology and could help to meet the energy needs of electric vehicles even further.
In summary, Mercedes-Benz's research into solar modules offers a promising solution to increase the range of electric vehicles and reduce dependence on charging stations. Thanks to their high efficiency, low material requirements and environmentally friendly production, these innovative solar modules could make an important contribution to the future of electromobility.
