Mercedes-Benz develops a new solar-charging paint that charges electric vehicles (EV). The new charging alternative could eliminate the need for plug-in charging for future Mercedes cars in sunnier cities.
NEW CHARGING ALTERNATIVE
During their most recent technology showcase, Mercedes unveiled their new photovoltaic paint. This paint works by covering the entire car’s body—with a thickness of 5 micrometers, thinner than a strand of human hair. Considered to be lightweight, the paint weighs around only 5 g/m2 with an efficiency rate of 20 per cent.
The paint can be used on “any substrate” and comes in “all colors.” The solar paint is the bottom-most layer, covered by a second layer made of nanoparticles. The nanoparticle layer “allows 94 per cent of solar energy to pass through the innovative coating.” This solar energy is then reserved in a “high voltage battery” installed in Mercedes’ future EVs. The overall charging system is said to continue to charge a vehicle even when it is not running.
However, this paint may not work for cities without much sunlight. “The amount of energy produced depends on levels of shade, intensity of the sun and geographical location,” Mercedes wrote in a press release. The paint is ideal for locations like Los Angeles, California, USA. If charged in LA, an EV can go the distance of 20,000 kilometres (km) per year. If charged in Beijing, China, on the other hand, the car can go 14,000 km per year.
This new charging alternative could ease range anxiety for drivers, especially those who live in sunny cities.
Though the announcement of the new paint is promising, Mercedes has not yet given full details. For example, the components of the paint are said to be “non-toxic,” though the company has not specified its ingredients.
“Solar paint has a high level of efficiency and contains no rare earths or silicon – only non-toxic, readily available raw materials. It is easy to recycle and considerably cheaper to produce than conventional solar modules,” the company said.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
Mercedes-Benz has also yet to specify to which EV models they would apply the paint to moving forward. Aside from their revolutionary paint, the German carmaker announced more research and technology ventures. Such ventures include; neuromorphic driving, the integration of AR glasses into its vehicles, new seat lining materials, and more.
For more details, read Mercedes-Benz’ full report here.
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