4 ms·
Lots of extra cost + weight + complexity for marginal benefit. In very specific scenarios it makes sense, but it's usually better to just put the panels on your
by potatochup 4y ago
Lots of extra cost + weight + complexity for marginal benefit. In very specific scenarios it makes sense, but it's usually better to just put the panels on your roof. Most people when shopping for EVs are concerned primarily about single charge range, which solar panels don't really help with. I'm interested to see what these companies come up with, but the proof will come if these companies are still around in 5-10 years.
- Schroedingersat 4y ago500W of cells is about 1kg with another kg of resin on top if there's a surface to bond them to. And costs about $100
- potatochup 4y ago$100 + labour for assembly + testing to make sure the panel works + the cost of an extra DCDC converter + wiring to the roof + supply chain risk with all the above parts. Toyota tried it for a while, but I don't think any new Prius models have a solar roof.
- Schroedingersat 4y agoWhich are all quite minimal costs compared to many other features with very little or negative utility. Like anything with cars it's purely a matter of fashion, ego, and perception. Noone who isn't making a purely emotional decision buys a new car. Adding a thousand or two and 5kg is completely irrelevant. If people don't percieve an extra 10-20 miles a day as worth the ugly blue rectangles, then the one with them could be 200kg lighter and $5000 cheaper and it still wouldn't sell.
- cjtrowbridge 4y agoCars are made by robots. Marginal labor cost is not a thing for car manufacturing.