Some electric cars, hybrids and even cars with internal combustion engines are equipped with solar panels in various configurations. They are usually mounted on the roof and connected in a series circuit controlled by one central unit.
“Classic” solar panels are not flexible and often become unusable even when the car is used in normal urban conditions.
Mercedes is developing a solar paint that can cover the entire body with a special solar-active material. Mercedes said that this thin coating, only 5 micrometers thick and weighing 50 grams per square meter, can be applied to any material. It can also be applied to any surface, from wheels to curved fenders and hood folds.
Solar paint can be any color, but dark colors are still better, as they absorb more light, and light colors, such as white and silver, have a higher reflectivity. Mercedes engineers said the solar paint is 20% efficient, which is similar to current solar panels used in cars.
The energy generated by the solar paint can be transferred to the car’s battery. The paint is active at all times, regardless of whether the car is running or not, and constantly recharges the batteries.
According to the brand, the average Los Angeles resident drives 29 miles a day. According to the company’s engineers, an electric car with the new solar paint can generate enough energy for 34 miles.
Mercedes noted that the paint is a paste-like substance, but the automaker did not say how it will be applied.
