Adding solar panels to electric vehicles has gradually become the preferred method of automobile brands, even if it does not offer much range. The last name to join this caravan was Mercedes-Benz.
German automaker Mercedes will start adding solar panels to its EV vehicles from 2024. The model in which this method will be used for the first time has also been determined.
Mercedes’ solar panels will store energy in a different battery
Introducing the EQXX, which can travel 1000 kilometers on a single charge, at the CES 2022 fair, Mercedes also made various statements about the future of its electric cars. The German automobile giant stated that they decided to add solar panels to EV vehicles, especially the EQXX, even if they offer little range to the vehicle.
The solar panel in question will provide an extra 25 kilometers of range to the vehicle for now. This range may seem small for now, but Mercedes seems determined to improve its solar panels to provide longer range.
Solar panels to be used from 2024 will not directly charge the main battery. Instead, it will store energy from the sun in a separate lithium iron phosphate battery.
Introducing the EQXX, Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schafer made the following statements about its new plans:
“Our customers will have the option of a solar panel roof that is both incredibly aesthetic and can supplement the battery in the future. We are working with the German research institute Fraunhofer to have solar panel systems in our EV vehicles by 2024. ”
The system will be implemented first on the Mercedes EQXX
The first model Mercedes wants to apply this technology to is the EQXX, which currently sets a record with its range in the EV category. This new model, introduced yesterday at CES 2022, consumes 10 kWh of energy per 100 kilometers and has a range of exactly 1000 kilometers.
What do you think about Mercedes’ solar panel technology, which offers a range of 25 kilometers? Do you think this technology can offer much longer ranges to EV vehicles in the future? Do not forget to share your views with us.
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