Electric car drivers often worry about how many miles are left in the ‘tank’, hoping they can reach their destination or another charging point before the power runs out.
But Mercedes is developing a solar paint that generates enough electricity to power a car, putting an end to what’s known as “range anxiety.”
In the manufacturer’s home town of Stuttgart – which receives only slightly more sunshine than Britain – the paint could drive a vehicle around 12,000 kilometers in a year.
But in sunnier climates, the paint could theoretically meet all travel needs and generate so much electricity that the driver could use the surplus at home.
The paint uses photovoltaic technology, which converts solar energy into electricity via a semiconductor material.
The car panels would be connected to a power converter that sends the electricity to the battery or directly to the engine.
But the bad news is that while Mercedes has shown that the technology works in principle, it could take another 15 years before it is commercially available.
Mercedes hopes to roll out the technology by 2040 and said the paint would even charge a parked car.
Mercedes is developing a solar paint that generates enough electricity to power a car
The carmaker hopes the new technology will put an end to ‘range anxiety’, but the solar paint won’t be available for another 15 years
In a press release, Mercedes said: ‘The photovoltaic system is permanently active and also generates energy when the vehicle is switched off.
“In the future, this could be a very effective solution for a greater electric range and fewer charging stops.”
A big factor keeping the public from purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) is “range anxiety”: the fear of not having enough battery power to get to your destination.
That’s why many car manufacturers want to give their vehicles the greatest possible range, by installing a larger battery or improving battery chemistry.
Other ways to increase range include making the shape of the car more aerodynamic, using lighting materials, adjusting the software or adding ‘regenerative braking’: capturing energy from braking that would otherwise be lost and use it to charge the battery.
Tesla’s Model S has a range of 400 miles, while another budget model of the Model S, unveiled in August, has an even lower range (320 miles), and the Model X even less.
However, the distance of 466 miles does not quite match the Lucid Air Dream Edition from the American company Lucid Motors, which has the market record for range with a range of 520 miles.
In September, Mercedes announced the Concept CLA-class, which is more than 4.5 meters long, and the manufacturer has claimed that the car’s new innovative battery will help with ‘range anxiety’ until the 15-year wait for solar paint is over .
The German automaker claims its new concept vehicle, the Concept CLA Class, will help address range concerns
The CEO of Mercedes-Benz said: ‘It is inspired by a generation of car buyers who want that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz feeling, with more features, even more comfort and safety and the most advanced technology’
The low-emission four-door sedan also has panoramic windows, a large glass roof and energy-efficient lighting.
Mercedes said its new car has an “innovative battery” that contains more silicon oxide for better “energy density” – the amount of energy stored per unit mass in the battery that can travel 750km on a single charge.
An 800V charging configuration also enables fast charging up to 400 km in 15 minutes.
Unlike the company’s other prototypes, the Concept CLA Class will actually enter production in late 2024, but pricing has yet to be confirmed.