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This recumbent electric bike [1] with solar panels as roof takes 11.8Wh/km (plus human pedaling) to go at a speed of 26.5 km/h. So, one hour of biking, covering

This recumbent electric bike [1] with solar panels as roof takes 11.8Wh/km (plus human pedaling) to go at a speed of 26.5 km/h. So, one hour of biking, covering 26.5 km will consume 312 Wh. So within optimization distance, you can perpetually run this bike on clear sunny days on the Sun's power alone. So, yeah, solar panels on vehicle works as a concept for for bikes, not for cars. [1] https://www.recumbent.news/2021/05/23/the-ultimate-tilting-solar-powered-serial-hybrid-delta-trike/ https://www.recumbent.news/2021/05/23/the-ultimate-tilting-s...

antisthenes 3y ago
And even then, only as a concept. That thing is huge. Can't take it on a bus, attach it behind a car like a regular e-bike. Can't ride it in windy weather lest you get tipped over by a gust. Can't ride in rainy weather (well, I suppose you can, if you just rely on your leg power), but at least it shields you from rain, I suppose. It's just not practical. Leave solar panels stationary where they belong.