Is it feasible to enhance the range of new energy vehicles by installing photovoltaic panels?
Release time:
2025-12-01
The current top projection dimensions of domestic saloon cars are generally around 1.8 metres by 4.8 metres. Approximately two-fifths of this area is occupied by the front and rear windscreens, leaving an effective installation area for photovoltaic panels of roughly 5.2 square metres.
The current top projection dimensions of domestic saloon cars are generally around 1.8 metres by 4.8 metres. Approximately two-fifths of this area is occupied by the front and rear windscreens, leaving an effective installation area for photovoltaic panels of roughly 5.2 square metres. (This excludes sunroofs and areas prone to scratching around the perimeter.)
Based on the current 24% power generation efficiency of photovoltaic modules, the maximum power output is approximately 1.2 kW. Under ideal conditions, this could generate around 5 kWh per day. Assuming an electric vehicle consumes 15 kWh per 100 kilometres, this would increase the range by roughly 33 kilometres daily! Even at 50% of the ideal output, a daily range increase of approximately 15 kilometres remains substantial, sufficient to meet the daily commuting needs of many individuals.
