Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck Will Soon Have Solar Panels
"It will enable you to charge your automobile while you travel!"
- As previously noted in numerous articles, solar roofing for any Tesla model may be an intriguing option.
- They are now available as solar kits from EVSolar Kits (@EvSolarKits), according to their Indiegogo campaign: they say their solar charging kits may alleviate range anxiety by giving up to 150 miles of range in two days.
- As previously indicated (in articles about solar for the Cybertruck and/or Roadster), the average North American motorist travels 31 miles per day, while the average European driver travels 25 miles per day.
- You could theoretically drive a solar-powered vehicle indefinitely (or for as long as the battery pack and solar kits still work on your Tesla, after 15-20 years).
- Numerous start-ups, including Aptera Motors, Atlis Motor Vehicles, Fisker Inc., Lightyear One, and Sono Motors, as well as established brands such as Hyundai, Tesla, and Toyota, are already developing solar vehicles or hybrid versions.
- "It will enable you to charge your automobile while you travel!" They assert that they are "...dedicated to alleviating range anxiety through our portfolio of portable solar charging kits for electric vehicles.
- For some of them (e.g., Hyundai, Tesla, and Toyota), the goal is to maximise the range of the electric car by charging continuously.
Numerous start-ups, including Aptera Motors, Atlis Motor Vehicles, Fisker Inc., Lightyear One, and Sono Motors, as well as established brands such as Hyundai, Tesla, and Toyota, are already developing solar vehicles or hybrid versions. Solar cells are being integrated into roofs and windows, while additional body components such as doors, hoods, tailgates, and trunks are being considered.
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According to their Indiegogo page, EV Solar Kits "...are thrilled to bring our vision to life with our EVSK kit line. We have a world-class engineering and design team developing a variety of solutions to alleviate range anxiety and maximise the efficiency of your car! It will enable you to charge your automobile while you travel!"
They assert that they are "...dedicated to alleviating range anxiety through our portfolio of portable solar charging kits for electric vehicles. Join us as we work to make electric vehicles more accessible to individuals who live an adventurous lifestyle."
In Pic: Tesla Model-3 with solar roof
Another intriguing perspective on solar-powered automobiles comes from a Forbes piece by Steve Tengler, who writes, "...a few manufacturers - largely start-ups - have produced a variety of solar-powered vehicle designs, often with the potential of augmented fueling via plug-in electric. For some of them (e.g., Hyundai, Tesla, and Toyota), the goal is to maximise the range of the electric car by charging continuously. Others, such as Aptera and Lightyear One, have a much loftier goal: to rarely use the grid and to rely on solar panels for the majority of their fuel."
What are your thoughts? Is this a technology that would be suited for a Tesla Model 3, Cybertruck, or Roadster? Would you consider installing it in your Model Y? Kindly notify us in the comment section below.
Nico Caballero is the Vice President of Finance for Cogency Power, a solar energy company. He also possesses a Diploma in Electric Vehicles from the Netherlands' Delft University of Technology and enjoys conducting research on Tesla and EV batteries. He may be reached via Twitter at @NicoTorqueNews.
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