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European study SolarMoves, released by Fraunhofer ISE, evaluates the integration of photovoltaic modules in vehicles and indicates that the technology can reduce external recharges, relieve the electrical grid, and extend autonomy in urban, commercial, and heavy transport operations.
VIPV technology can allow electric cars to cover up to 55% of annual energy in Central Europe and up to 80% in the south of the continent, according to the SolarMoves study released by Fraunhofer ISE, with a direct impact on the electrical grid.
How electric cars can generate energy in their own use
The proposal of the European project SolarMoves starts from a simple idea: integrate photovoltaic modules directly into the bodywork of cars, vans, trucks, and trailers. The technology is called Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics, or VIPV.
Instead of relying solely on external recharges, vehicles would start producing part of the electricity on their own available surfaces, such as the roof, hood, and sides. The generation would occur at the point of consumption, during daily use.
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The study was commissioned by the European Commission and developed by a consortium formed by TNO, Fraunhofer ISE, Sono Motors, IM Efficiency, and Lightyear. The research measured how much this integration could relieve the electrical infrastructure.
To reach the estimates, the researchers evaluated 23 types of vehicles, from small urban models to heavy trucks. They also combined real driving profiles, meteorological data, and Meteosat satellite records.
In total, more than 1.3 million kilometers traveled by vehicles equipped with specific sensors were examined. This base allowed estimating solar production in different regions, uses, and transport categories.
Solar panels reduce dependence on external recharge
The data indicate that electric cars with solar modules could supply a significant portion of the annual energy needed. In Central Europe, the coverage would reach 55%; in southern Europe, with higher solar radiation, it would reach 80%.
The gain does not mean completely eliminating conventional recharging but reducing the frequency and pressure on the grid. The logic is to take advantage of already existing areas on vehicles, without occupying new land for solar generation.
This point is central to the European discussion because the fleet of battery models tends to grow in the next decade. With more vehicles connected to the grid, any local generation can reduce demand peaks.
Heavy transport concentrates greater practical potential
The most visible impact can occur in the logistics sector. Vans, trucks, and trailers have larger surfaces and consume energy in auxiliary systems, such as refrigeration, heating, and hydraulic mechanisms.
In the case of electric trucks, photovoltaic integration could increase daily range by up to 15%. For delivery and heavy transport operations, this gain can mean fewer stops and more efficient battery use.
In trailers with panels also on the sides, production in summer could be between 90 and 110 kWh per day. This energy would be enough to autonomously power hydraulic or refrigeration systems.
The study also points to utility in diesel commercial vehicles. In these cases, solar energy could power secondary equipment, such as air conditioning and heating, reducing fuel consumption in certain operations.
Researchers estimate that, in some scenarios, the investment to integrate solar panels into commercial vehicles could be amortized in less than two years. The timeframe reinforces the economic interest beyond the environmental benefit.
Europe still needs to adjust rules and tests
On a continental scale, the estimated potential is significant. If all new vehicles sold between 2024 and 2030 incorporated VIPV systems, the grid’s electrical demand could drop by 15.6 terawatt-hours by 2030.
However, widespread implementation still faces technical and regulatory obstacles. The consortium recommends including VIPV systems in the WLTP procedure, so that energy and environmental gains officially appear in European approvals.
Tax incentives and a specific regulatory framework in European renewable energy legislation were also proposed. Without these steps, the mass adoption of electric cars with solar panels tends to progress more slowly.
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