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I'm very interested to see testing on the solar panel, specifically if the benefits offset the added weight and cost. Their quote: > generates electricity equ

I'm very interested to see testing on the solar panel, specifically if the benefits offset the added weight and cost. Their quote: > generates electricity equivalent to 1,800 km of driving distance per year Is too vague. Is this taking away the distance lost from added panel weight? What are the assumptions (e.g. how many hours of light/day)? Is this electricity-distance at exit of the panel or after storage<->release from the batteries? What is the panel efficiency curve over the vehicles' life (e.g. do you have to replace/refurb the panel)? Obviously we would all love for this to work, we get cooler cars in the summer and bonus driving range. But it isn't exactly the first time vehicle makers have tried it and have been panned (or it has been outright vaporware) previously. EVs work. We know they work. They can work from renewables, including solar. The questions here are around onboard solar specifically and if they actually make sense (and frankly if this is a marketing gimmick).

SonicScrub 5y ago
If it's in their marketing, you can assume it's based on ideal weather conditions, and low-latitudes. I've done some solar-energy calculations for vehicles before as part of student engineering design teams, and I recall the results were pretty dismal. I seriously doubt a car solar roof would produce significant benefit in a place like Canada or Northern Europe as a practical range extender or a cost saver. But maybe I could see the solar panel as a useful tool for camping excursions? The solar-panel use case appears (to me at least) to be when I want to drive somewhere far away, off grid, and where the car is going to be idle for a few days. Camping is the only use-case that I can think of that fits that bill. Although I'm sure other people might have some ideas.
- mikestew 5y ago
  My "best case" math says it is a ~60W panel. Let's just say it's 100W to be generous. Ten hours gets you a kWh. In my 2011 Nissan Leaf, that will get you four miles on a good day. So don't drive too far off into those woods.
  - Factorium 5y ago
    That should still be enough to get you to the nearest wall outlet somewhere - and prevent you being completely stranded.

SonicScrub 5y ago

If it's in their marketing, you can assume it's based on ideal weather conditions, and low-latitudes. I've done some solar-energy calculations for vehicles before as part of student engineering design teams, and I recall the results were pretty dismal. I seriously doubt a car solar roof would produce significant benefit in a place like Canada or Northern Europe as a practical range extender or a cost saver. But maybe I could see the solar panel as a useful tool for camping excursions? The solar-panel use case appears (to me at least) to be when I want to drive somewhere far away, off grid, and where the car is going to be idle for a few days. Camping is the only use-case that I can think of that fits that bill. Although I'm sure other people might have some ideas.

mikestew 5y ago
My "best case" math says it is a ~60W panel. Let's just say it's 100W to be generous. Ten hours gets you a kWh. In my 2011 Nissan Leaf, that will get you four miles on a good day. So don't drive too far off into those woods.
- Factorium 5y ago
  That should still be enough to get you to the nearest wall outlet somewhere - and prevent you being completely stranded.