Electric cars with solar panels: how do they work?

In the era of growing environmental awareness and the push toward sustainability, innovations in the automotive sector are increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources. Among these, electric cars with solar panels represent one of the most interesting and promising frontiers.

These vehicles are not only a step forward in electric mobility, but also integrate solar energy directly into their operation, opening up new prospects for a cleaner and more autonomous transportation future.

What are solar electric cars?

Solar electric cars are vehicles that integrate photovoltaic panels into their structure, usually on the roof, hood, and sometimes on other surfaces exposed to the sun. These solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through the photovoltaic process. The electricity generated can be used in two main ways:

1. Powering auxiliary systems: solar energy can directly power the car's secondary systems, such as air conditioning, interior and exterior lighting, infotainment system, and other electronic devices. This reduces the load on the car's main battery, increasing overall efficiency.
2. Charging the traction battery: in some models and with more advanced technologies, solar energy can be used to supplement the charging of the main battery that powers the electric motor. This can extend the vehicle's range and reduce dependence on charging via the power grid.

How do solar-powered electric cars work?

The operation of a solar electric car is based on a simple but technologically advanced principle:

1. Sunlight capture: photovoltaic solar panels, composed of solar cells, are exposed to sunlight.
2. Conversion to electricity: solar cells convert photons of sunlight into electrons, generating direct current (DC) electricity.
3. Inversion and use: an inverter converts direct current to alternating current (AC), which can be used to power auxiliary systems or, after being managed by the battery management system (BMS), to charge the traction battery.
4. Integration with the battery: the solar energy produced can be stored in the battery for later use or used immediately. In solar-electric hybrid systems, the car can draw energy from both the solar panels and the battery, optimizing efficiency and range.

Efficiency of solar panels on cars: realities and prospects

Currently, the efficiency of solar panels integrated into cars is a crucial factor. The available surface area on the roof and body of a car is limited, and the energy generated by traditional solar panels may not be enough to fully charge the battery for long distances.

Most popular solar panels today can generate power to power auxiliary systems, relieving the load on the main battery. However, the technology is evolving rapidly:

• More efficient solar panels: research and development focus on more efficient, thinner and flexible solar cells that can be better integrated into car designs and capture more solar energy per unit area.
• Innovative integration: in addition to the roof, integration of solar panels into other parts of the car, such as the hood, doors, and even windows with transparent photovoltaic films is explored.
• Solar-optimized vehicles: some manufacturers are designing electric cars specifically optimized to maximize solar energy collection, with aerodynamic shapes that increase sun exposure and reduce energy consumption.

Thanks to these advances, solar electric cars are becoming increasingly capable of extending their driving range significantly.

For example, some models are designed to gain tens of kilometers of range per day from solar power, making them ideal for urban and peri-urban travel.

Benefits of solar electric cars: a sustainable future

Solar electric cars offer a number of advantages that make them a key component in the transition to sustainable mobility:

• Reduced dependence on the power grid: integrated solar power decreases the need to charge the car exclusively through the power grid, especially during daylight hours and in sunny areas.
• Lower environmental impact: using solar energy, a renewable and clean source, further reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
• Extended range and continuous "refueling": solar power can provide a continuous "refueling" of energy throughout the day, helping to keep the battery charged and increasing the overall range, especially under optimal driving conditions (e.g., outdoor parking under the sun).
• Long-term economic sustainability: although the initial investment in solar electric cars may be higher, operating costs are reduced due to less dependence on external charging and potentially less wear and tear on the main battery.

Powy 's role in the electric car ecosystem

At Powy, we are committed to supporting the growth of sustainable mobility in all its forms, including the integration of solar energy.

Our electric car charging stations are designed to be state-of-the-art and to integrate seamlessly with the future of solar electric cars.

Powy charging stations offer:

• Efficient and fast charging: advanced technologies to ensure optimal charging for all types of electric cars, including solar cars, maximizing energy efficiency.
• Integration with renewable energy: our stations are powered exclusively by energy from renewable sources, such as solar, creating a virtuous cycle of clean energy for mobility.
• Customized solutions: we offer charging solutions adaptable to different needs, from residential settings to corporate fleets, supporting large-scale adoption of solar electric cars.

Visit powy.energy to learn how our charging solutions can help accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future by supporting the rise of solar electric cars and other green mobility technologies.

Conclusion: what future for solar electric cars?

Solar electric cars are no longer a futuristic concept, but an evolving reality. As solar panel and battery technology advances, these vehicles will become increasingly efficient, affordable, and integrated into our daily lives. They represent a major step toward a future in which mobility is not only electric, but also powered directly by the most abundant and cleanest source of energy: the sun.

With the support of advanced charging infrastructure such as that offered by Powy, the potential for solar electric cars to transform the transportation landscape and contribute to a more sustainable world is immense.

Want to learn more about electric cars and charging stations? Read here.

FAQ: What are electric cars with solar panels?

Some experimental or premium models of electric cars integrate solar panels into the roof to power devices or support charging. However, they do not currently replace conventional charging, but they represent an interesting direction for the future. 

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy