11 April 2022

Cars You Never Need to Charge – Could Solar Cars Be the Answer?

Innovations in the car industry are seeing a fast transition to cleaner, greener driving experiences. But could there be another solution outside the switch to electric vehicles? Some car makers think so. And the energy provider in the spotlight – the sun!

Solar power is commonly used for homes, and the same concept could apply to powering vehicles. But so far, there hasn’t been much talk about this option compared to plug-in electric and hydrogen alternatives.

So, to find out more about the concept of solar cars and why they might feature in the future of car manufacturers, check out this short guide.

What is a solar car?

A solar car or Solar Electric Vehicle (sEV) is a vehicle powered using self-contained solar panels. These models contain a battery, which recharges and helps to store energy from the solar cells. They also store energy from regenerative braking.

Fully solar cars are yet to make mainstream sales, but this year could see the first. However, previously car makers have developed models for solar car races, including the World Solar Challenge.

How do solar cars work?

sEVs have solar panels integrated into the design of the car. These panels contain photovoltaic cells, which convert light or photons into solar electricity. The electricity created in this process converts to standard voltage, which is stored in the battery packs.

Solar panels are used in some models on the market but currently as optional extras. For example, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Toyota Prius are available in some countries with panels integrated into the roof.

The concept of solar cars sounds perfect – a vehicle you technically don’t have to charge up. While it appears to have the makings of a low-cost way of driving, it’s worth considering both the pros and cons to this technology.

Advantages of a solar car

Low charging costs

As the sun does most of the hard work for you, charging costs would be minimal, as you technically wouldn’t have to plug it in.

Great for drivers in sunny climates

While solar panels still charge to a degree in cloudy conditions, sunny climates will see the most benefit from this technology.

Solar energy is tried and tested

Solar power has been used successfully for many years and proves a robust way to provide energy. Further research could bring more efficient photovoltaic cells to the car sector.

Disadvantages of a solar car

Less converted energy

While solar panels are effective at converting sunlight, they only ever convert about 20-35%. This means you need a lot of it to produce adequate power. For example, a Toyota Prius would have to be left in direct sunlight for around ten days to charge the battery.

Lack of investment

Solar panels are standard in homes, but a lack of investment in technology has not pushed them forward to producing sustained energy.

Only optimal in sunny locations

To get the most out of solar cars, you need sunlight. For optimal use, sunny climates provide the best conditions – meaning the UK probably isn’t the best fit.

Need to be lightweight

For stylish and functional car design, panels need to be lightweight. However, lightweight solar panels may not be as effective in converting sunlight and powering cars.

Specialist technology creates challenges

The technology and specialist systems to service and maintain sEVs would be carried out at specialist centres. This would create issues for consumers unless they were close to these hubs.

Can I buy a solar car?

Weighing up the pros and cons of solar cars offers some insight into the possibilities of this technology coming to the market. But can you buy a fully sEV vehicle now? Cars with solar panels are available to buy. However, these panels are a simple add on to complement the plug-in charge up.

More recently, other car makers have been looking at ways to make full sEVs a reality. Lightyear One is a model soon to hit the roads. It’s been hailed as the most efficient and sustainable vehicle in the market and boasts an incredible range of 725km. It’ll set you back €150,000 (around £125,000) and is hoping to go into mass production in 2024-25. Another model from the German company, Sono Motors, is also available for pre-order.

One of the world’s most infamous electric car producers, Tesla, could also be gearing up to bring solar power to auto production. Back in 2019, Elon Musk tweeted there would be an add-on solar panel option for the new CyberTruck. At the time, Musk said this would charge it about 15 miles per day in sunlight.

More recently, the company has successfully launched solar roof panels for homes. At present, these are only available in the US, but so far, the company have installed these panels on around 400,000 roofs.

Solar panel EV charging points

Electric vehicles and solar charging offer the best of both worlds. But you don’t have to have them on your car to benefit – you can install a solar EV charge point at home.

You’d need to install a home charging unit with a PV inverter to use this technology. This converts sunlight into useable energy for your car. These systems are available, but you won’t be able to get your hands on a standalone unit yet. For example, you’d need around ten solar panels to power up an EV. But the bigger the battery, the more panels you’ll need.

Is there a future for solar cars?

sEVs are promising prospects for a driving experience that benefits both the environment and consumers’ pockets. However, the initial cost of buying this type of vehicle may prove challenging as prices are high. If the market flourishes, more manufacturers may look to move into solar technology. Like many new innovations, it’s a case of “watch this space!”

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