The German company has created a solar system integrated into the windows and roofs of electric cars, providing an additional range of up to 2.500 km per year
German company Webasto, a global leader in automotive systems, has developed a new concept of solar roof for electric cars that promises to revolutionize mobility sustainable. The system, called “EcoPeak“, is an innovative solution that, in addition to integrating solar energy directly into the vehicle, uses 80% sustainable materials.
This advancement can offer up to 2.500 km of additional autonomy per year, which represents significant savings in energy consumption and a reduction in impact. environmental.
Innovation with sustainability for electric cars
Webasto aims to reduce the CO₂ footprint in both the production and operation of its vehicles. To achieve this, the “EcoPeak” roof is designed with recycled materials and balanced with biomass, ensuring that the resources used are renewable and have a low environmental impact.
- Goodbye, combustion cars? Discover the 5 cheapest hybrid cars in Brazil: economy and technology at your fingertips!
- New electric bike surprises with adjustable torque for any trail and removable 800 Wh battery, guaranteeing up to 250 km per charge
- Is driving electric cars in floods DANGEROUS? Find out the whole truth
- With a COLOSSAL investment of R$9,5 BILLION, Stellantis acquires 20% of Leapmotor and can now produce, sell and export electric cars to Europe and the USA!
Additionally, the design incorporates solar cells capable of generating up to 350 kWh of electricity annually, directly contributing to the vehicle's autonomy.
This concept not only provides greater energy efficiency, but is also an important step towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and external energy sources.
The energy generated by the solar cells integrated into the roof can be used to power the vehicle's system, reducing the need for frequent recharging.
Weight reduction and greater efficiency
The use of sustainable materials, such as biomass-balanced polycarbonate, allows the roofing system to be up to 40% lighter than conventional aluminum solutions. This translates into greater fuel efficiency and improved driving dynamics.
Even with the weight reduction, the durability of the “EcoPeak” system remains at high levels, meeting Webasto’s strict quality standards.
This weight reduction has a direct impact on the efficiency of electric cars, as lighter vehicles consume less energy to move.
Furthermore, by incorporating recycled materials, Webasto reaffirms its commitment to the circular economy, reducing waste and extending the useful life of resources.
Intelligence in the use of light and shadow
The “EcoPeak” roof covers both the upper area of the car and the rear window, offering a larger surface area for capturing solar energy.
This expansion allows maximum use of available sunlight, regardless of the vehicle's position. In addition, the roof integrates blinds made from recycled PET fabric, reinforcing the system's sustainability.
The use of these blinds also offers a smart way to regulate the amount of light entering the vehicle's interior, increasing comfort for passengers and helping to maintain the ideal temperature in the car.
In this way, the system not only contributes to energy efficiency, but also improves the driving experience and comfort of the occupants.
Less emissions, more autonomy
The conceptual study developed by Webasto shows a reduction of up to 50% in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional roof systems. This is possible thanks to the combination of lightweight design, the use of sustainable materials and the integration of solar cells.
According to Jan Henning Mehlfeldt, Member of the Board of Management of Webasto, “The expanded area of our roof concept has a significant impact on the overall CO₂ footprint of vehicles.”
The reduction in emissions is not limited to the production phase, but also throughout the vehicle's useful life, since the “EcoPeak” system generates the energy cleans directly from the sun.
This advancement reflects Webasto's commitment to developing innovative solutions that not only benefit the environment, but also meet consumer expectations for sustainable and efficient products.
Solar Energy and Electric Cars: A Promising Future for Mobility
The use of solar energy in cars is becoming an increasingly relevant trend in the mobility sector. With the “EcoPeak” roof, Webasto is betting on the growth of this area by offering a solution that not only reduces dependence on external energy, but also promotes the use of renewable sources.
In a global context in which the search for clean energy sources is a priority, innovations such as the “EcoPeak” solar system represent a crucial advance in the transition towards electrification and sustainability in transport.
The fact that the roof generates up to 350 kWh per year may seem like little at first, but in the long term, this energy contribution has the potential to considerably reduce total energy consumption.
A step towards the future
Webasto's innovation demonstrates that it is possible to combine modern design, energy efficiency and sustainability in a practical solution for the automotive industry.
With the “EcoPeak” roof, not only electric car manufacturers but also consumers will be able to enjoy a technology that promotes clean and sustainable mobility.
This innovative solution is yet another example of how the industry is adapting to environmental needs and consumer desires for greener products.
By integrating solar power directly into vehicles, Webasto paves the way for a future where sustainability is not just a differentiator, but a fundamental part of the automotive experience.