12/09/2024
Mercedes-Benz is developing a new type of solar paint that could transform electric vehicle power. This photovoltaic coating, just 5 micrometers thick, covers 11 square meters. It can generate enough energy to power a car for up to 7,456 miles (12,000 kilometers) annually under ideal conditions.
The nanoparticle-based paint allows 94% of solar energy to pass through and is easy to recycle. It’s designed to be lightweight (50 grams per square meter) and can cover all exterior vehicle surfaces.
This solar paint, which contains no rare earth elements or silicon, is also cheaper to produce than conventional solar modules. The energy generated can be used to drive the vehicle or feed into the high-voltage battery even when the car is off.
This could mean no need to plug in for charging. The paint can be applied directly to the car’s body, with the color paint job sprayed over it to protect against scratches and other damage.
