Thin solar power cells could be placed on the roof of electric cars in the future to extend reach.
The power gather devices could soon be appearing in the panoramic glass roofs of Audi cars.
Chinese solar-cell specialist, Hanergy, are working with the automotive industry together on the project.
The first prototype is to be built by the end of 2017.
As the first step, Audi and Hanergy want to integrate subsidiary company Alta’s thin-film solar cells into the roof.
Ideally in the future, almost the entire roof surface would be covered with solar cells.
The electricity they generate will flow into the car’s electrical system and can supply power for the air-conditioning system or the seat heaters – a gain in efficiency that has a direct positive impact on the range of an electric vehicle.
Audi Board of Management Member for Procurement Dr. Bernd Martens said: “The range of electric cars plays a decisive role for our customers. Together with Hanergy, we plan to install innovative solar technology in our electric cars that will extend their range and is also sustainable.”
At a later stage, solar energy could directly charge the traction battery. “That would be a milestone along the way to achieving sustainable, emission-free mobility,” said Martens.
Dr. Ding Jian, senior Vice President of Hanergy Thin Film Power Group Limited, CEO of Alta Devices, Inc. and co-leader of the Audi/Hanergy Thin Film Solar Cell Research and Development Project, said: “This partnership with Audi is Alta Devices’ first cooperation with a high-end auto brand. By combining Alta’s continuing breakthroughs in solar technology and Audi’s drive toward a sustainable mobility of the future, we will shape the solar car of the future”.
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