New Solar Paint Set To End EV Range Anxiety

9th December 2024

As 2024 draws to a close range anxiety remains a real and present issue, much to the frustration of those looking to propel the electrification of the automotive industry.

While sales of EVs increased by 35% globally last year, fears of being ‘caught short’ on long journeys persist and dissuade a great many petrol heads from taking the plunge.

Given the looming (but shifting) deadline to ban the sale of diesel and petrol cars in the UK, this has left a host of manufacturers scrambling for ways to increase milage and allay fears.

Now Mercedes have unveiled plans that could just end the problem altogether.

What Is Photovoltaic Technology?

This magic bullet comes in the form of solar paint. Indeed, recent tests prove the latter can generate enough electricity to power a vehicle. Yes, really. Here’s how…

The concept is built around something called photovoltaic technology. This process is known to convert solar energy into electricity courtesy of a semiconductor material.

So, when car panels are wired into a power converter, they can and will send electricity onto a battery or motor itself.

Don’t doubt the science. Mercedes have already demonstrated this works, and are using the city of Stuttgart as a testing ground. While far from the sunniest climate, this destination could afford up to 7,500 miles a year. Imagine what you’d get from driving around Bangkok…

Sound good? Well there’s more where that came from. It’s even been suggested this same paint will charge vehicles whilst parked. Clearly, if born out this could extinguish lingering doubts linked to range once and for all.

VISION EQXX

Part of the broader VISION EQXX programme, the solar paint used for this scheme will contain no rare earth materials, nor silicon. And by leveraging non-toxic and raw materials that are readily available, the technology will be recyclable.

Clearly buoyed by initial research, Mercedes’ masterminds are exploring ways to install solar paint I all exterior vehicle services, regardless of configuration.

A recent press release stated “The photovoltaic system is permanently active and also generates energy when the vehicle is switched off. In future, this could be a highly effective solution for increased electric range and fewer charging stops.”

While Chief Technology Officer Markus Schafer enthused “Innovative strength was and is among the most important driving forces of Mercedes-Benz. Our brand has been shaping automotive progress for almost 140 years with pioneering technologies. For us, innovation only makes sense if it offers our customers real added value.

Their perfect composition is what makes a Mercedes a Mercedes. That’s why we believe progress means developing innovative technologies in dialogue with society. It’s how we maintain our innovative power and create a new kind of automotive experience.”

The CLA Class

But good things come to those who wait and wait we must. The excitement around solar paint is tempered somewhat by news the technology will not be rolled out until 2040, Mercedes feeling they’re 15 years away from any commercial release.

Strategically, they’re hoping the launch of their new CLA Class concept will plug this gap. Representing a gear shift for the automaker, this model houses a new innovative battery delivering a range of up to 466 miles.

An electric family car with a difference, it could theoretically travel from Brighton to Edinburgh on a single charge. At 15 feet long, it will presumably dominate all roads along that journey.

Described by designers as a ‘Hypermiler’ the CLA class was first announced at the 2023 Motor Show in Munich.

It will be the first car in a wider suite to make use of the new Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, one central to a much publicised ‘Ambition 2039’ project. This initiative aims to achieve net carbon neutrality before 2040 – hence the name.

An original electric motor will serve up 235bhp to the rear wheels courtesy of a two-speed transmission. The electric motors themselves meanwhile will source energy from a next-generation battery.  The associated powertrain will pack 800 volts.

The upshot? A range in excess of 450 miles, placing it among the best performing EVs on the market  - albeit some way short of the 520 miles posted by the Lucid Air Dream Edition.

Interestingly, both the motor and gearbox will be housed at the rear axle in a single housing weighing a featherlight 110kg.

And a host of additional ‘efficiency boosting’ features will also be present, a silicon-carbide inverter chief among them.

All-in-all, it’s shaping up to an exciting year for Mercedes, who can never be accused of ‘painting’ by numbers.

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