Mercedes-Benz said it is now evaluating a 20% efficient, silicon-free photovoltaic coating that is significantly cheaper than conventional solar panels.
Mercedes-Benz has shared what it describes as an “exclusive insight into research activities and future technologies”, showcasing several innovations currently being tested for feasibility.
The innovations include a range of concepts, from augmented reality glasses to alternatives to leather, made from recycled plastic and biotechnologically produced materials.
Other developments include a regenerative brake integrated into the motor and transmission unit of electric cars, which is virtually maintenance and wear-free, and drive batteries that are controlled at the cell level.
One of the innovations is a ‘solar paint’, a PV coating designed for vehicle energy generation. This coating consists of ‘innovative solar modules’ of only 5 micrometers thick, which are applied seamlessly to the bodywork as a wafer-thin paste.
The photovoltaic surface can be applied to any substrate and the protective layer is a new type of nanoparticle-based paint that transmits 94% of the sun’s energy. Weighing 50 grams per square meter, Mercedes-Benz aims to ensure that the coating can cover all exterior surfaces of a vehicle, regardless of shape or angle.
Mercedes-Benz claims a 20% efficiency for the solar paint. For a medium-sized off-roader, with a solar panel area of 11 m², the coating could generate enough energy to travel up to 12,000 km per year, under ideal conditions and based on solar radiation at the company’s production site in Stuttgart, Germany .
It provided two operational examples. In Stuttgart, a Mercedes-Benz vehicle typically travels 52 km per day, with 62% of that distance powered by solar energy directly feeding the high-voltage battery. In Los Angeles, a customer could cover up to 100% of their daily commute using only solar energy.
Mercedes-Benz provided few additional details about the cell technology, but said the solar paint does not contain any rare earth elements or silicon. The material is made from non-toxic, easily available raw materials and is recyclable. It is also significantly cheaper to produce than conventional solar panels.
This is not the first solar initiative from Mercedes-Benz. Nearly three years ago, the company collaborated with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE to develop a solar roof for its ‘Vision EQXX’ concept, using silicon cells.
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