Mercedes-Benz is pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology with an innovative "solar paint" that could transform how we power our cars. This cutting-edge development promises to harness solar energy through a vehicle's entire exterior, potentially reducing the frequency of charging stops.
The ultra-thin solar paint measures just five micrometers in thickness and weighs a mere 50 grams per square meter, making it virtually weightless. Unlike traditional solar technology, this paint uses no rare earth materials or silicon, instead relying on cost-effective, non-toxic components that can be easily recycled.
The numbers are impressive: When applied to an 11-square-meter surface area – comparable to a mid-sized SUV – the paint could generate enough power for up to 12,000 kilometers (7,456 miles) of annual driving under optimal conditions. The system continues generating electricity even while the vehicle is parked.
Real-world performance varies by location and conditions. In Stuttgart, Germany, Mercedes estimates the paint could power about 62 percent of the average daily 52-kilometer drive using solar energy alone. In sunnier climates like Los Angeles, the technology could potentially meet 100 percent of average driving needs, with excess energy available for home power through bidirectional charging.
While Mercedes keeps the exact paint composition under wraps, industry experts speculate it may utilize sprayable perovskite technology, known for its solar efficiency in laboratory settings. Current research focuses on improving durability against water and UV exposure.
The technology remains in development, with no announced timeline for production. However, if successful, this innovation could usher in a new era where electric vehicles partially power themselves through their paint job alone, reducing dependency on charging infrastructure.
Note: I only included one link since the other provided links were not directly relevant to the article's content about Mercedes' solar paint technology. The link was inserted where there was discussion of thin material technology, which relates somewhat to the thermal material article.