Tesla Cybertruck shows tipping point for solar car technology
The startups Sono Motors and Lightyear announced solar family cars available next year that have solar bodies rather than the the small solar roof seen on other cars. That means many owners will never plug in, says Raghu Das, CEO of analysts IDTechEx
“We are clearly at the tipping point for adoption of solar on land, water and air vehicles, particularly on pure electric ones where range sells,” he said. “There are now camper vans, delivery trucks, robot shuttles, buses, boats and even aircraft getting at least 10% and often all of their electricity from daylight. Many find it useful even on the sides of their vehicles. Any designer of any electric vehicle must now seriously consider solar bodywork. It is a new key enabling technology.”
While these vehicles do not have the acceleration of a Tesla, Lightyear points out that its Lightyear One will go 740 km further than any Tesla because the Tesla would have to stop and plug in.
Hyundai has announced three large solar roof designs, one for pure electric cars, one for hybrids, another promised to be semi-transparent when available. None will make a Hyundai energy independent, but some Hyundai users (although not in Europe) will get over 10 percent of their electricity from daylight, given typical distances driven. Toyota, Hanergy and others are experimenting with more expensive, even more efficient chemistry giving at least one kilowatt per kilogram for solar car technology.
“There will be an option to add solar power that generates 15 miles per day, possibly more. Would love this to be self-powered. Adding fold out solar wings would generate 30 to 40 miles per day. Average miles per day in US is 30,” said Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla about the Cybertruck.
Musk had previously discussed the idea of a “deployable solar shield like a retractable hard top” for a solar car. That feature could particularly be useful with the Cybertruck camper configuration that Tesla is planning to offer as an option. The chemistry was not revealed but we expect it to be the now mainstream single crystal silicon.
IDTechEx expects Tesla to charge a few thousand dollars for the huge solar top, very attractive to those buying the $50k plus premium versions of the pickup. Another tens of thousands a year sale of solar cars should result.
This was followed by Squad City Solar car, another example of solar in at the very start of the concept. This 45 km/h, 2-person solar car for daily (sub)urban mobility is being developed by two ex-Lightyear employees who share a desire to develop an affordable solar car for a large group of consumers. The Squad is already available for preorder in the EU. Retail price starts at a mere € 5750 (ex. VAT), so it is very affordable, as is the 5 seat Sono Sion solar car. An 80 km/h Squad will also be offered later. The Squad offers space for two passengers sitting side by side, and a storage compartment in the back. Two children (up to 1.25 m) can sit on rear seats where legally permitted.
Related solar car articles:
- EUROPEAN TEAMS DOMINATE SOLAR POWERED CAR CHALLENGE
- FISKER TO UNVEIL ELECTRIC SUV WITH SOLAR ROOF
- EV RANGE BOOST FROM ‘INVISIBLE’ SOLAR ROOF
- TOYOTA STARTS PUBLIC TRIALS OF SOLAR POWERED CAR
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