Jochen Schmid, senior manager of Future Electric Drive at Mercedes-Benz, highlights the innovative potential of using car surfaces for energy harvesting, stating, "We're producing hundreds of cars a day, and this is quite a lot of surface. So why don't [we] use that surface to harvest sun energy?" This reflects a forward-thinking approach in the automotive industry, focusing on sustainability and renewable energy as an integral part of future electric vehicles.
The solar paint, which is only 5 micrometers thick and weighs a mere 50 grams per square meter, is designed to harvest sufficient energy for substantial mileage. According to Mercedes-Benz, on an average midsize SUV, this technology could allow the vehicle to travel up to 7,456 miles per year under optimal conditions, depending on sunlight exposure and environmental factors. This illustrates the feasibility of integrated renewable energy solutions in everyday transportation.
The flexibility of this solar paint allows it to conform to various surfaces of the vehicle, unlike rigid glass solar panels that are only suitable for flat installations. The paint can be applied around curves, maximizing solar energy capture without the limitations of traditional solar panels. Jochen Schmid emphasizes the potential of this innovative technology, saying, "Because the solar paint is flexible, it can fit around curves like fenders, providing more opportunities for solar power than glass solar panels."
#electric-vehicles #solar-energy #automotive-innovation #sustainability #renewable-energy-technology
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