Electric car drivers often worry about how many kilometers are left in the ‘tank’, hoping they can get to their destination or another charging point before running out of power.
But Mercedes is developing a solar paint that generates enough electricity to power a car, putting an end to what is known as “range anxiety.”
In the manufacturer’s home city of Stuttgart, which receives only slightly more sun than the UK, the paint could power a vehicle for around 12,000 kilometers a year.
But in sunnier climates, the paint could, in theory, meet all travel needs and generate so much electricity that the driver could use the excess at home.
The painting uses photovoltaic technology, which converts solar energy into electricity through a semiconductor material.
The car’s panels would be connected to a power converter that sends electricity to the battery or directly to the engine.
But the bad news is that while Mercedes has proven that the technology works in principle, it may be another 15 years before it is commercially available.
Mercedes hopes to deploy the technology by 2040 and said the paint would even charge a vehicle when parked.
Mercedes develops solar paint that will generate enough electricity to power a car
Automaker hopes new technology will help end ‘range anxiety’, but solar paint won’t be available for 15 years
In a press release, Mercedes said: “The photovoltaic system is permanently active and also generates energy when the vehicle is switched off.”
“In the future, this could be a very effective solution to increase electric range and reduce charging stops.”
A major factor deterring the public from purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) is “range anxiety” – the fear of not having enough charge to reach a destination.
Many car manufacturers therefore want to give their vehicles the longest possible range by installing a larger battery or improving the battery chemistry.
Other ways to increase range include making the shape of the car more aerodynamic, using lighting materials, tweaking the software or adding ‘regenerative braking’, capturing braking energy that would otherwise be lost and using it to recharge the battery.
The Tesla Model S has a range of 410 miles, while another affordable Model S model revealed in August has an even shorter range (320 miles), and the Model X has even less.
However, 466 miles does not equal the Lucid Air Dream Edition from the American firm Lucid Motors, which holds the market range record, with 520 miles.
In September, Mercedes announced the Concept CLA Class, which measures more than 15 feet long, and the manufacturer has claimed the car’s innovative new battery will help with “range anxiety” until the 15-year wait for paint is over. solar.
The German automaker says its new concept vehicle, the Concept CLA Class, will help ease range anxiety.
The Mercedes-Benz CEO said: “It is inspired by a generation of car buyers who want that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz feeling, with more features, greater comfort and safety and the most advanced technology.”
The low-emission four-door sedan also has panoramic windows, a large glass roof and energy-efficient lights.
Mercedes said its new car has an “innovative battery” that includes more silicon oxide for better “energy density” – the amount of energy stored in the battery per unit of mass – and can drive 466 miles on a single charge.
An 800V charging setting also allows for rapid recharging of up to 248 miles (400 km) in 15 minutes.
Unlike other company prototypes, the Concept CLA Class will go into production at the end of 2024, but the price is to be confirmed.