How does Mercedes’ solar-powered car work?
The key to the Vision EQXX’s success is efficiency. Mercedes “pulled out all the stops'' to maximize the use of every watt. Based on simulations and estimates, the car is expected to travel six miles on one kWh.
Besides its solar-paneled roof, the car’s extremely lightweight body (it only weighs 3,858 lbs.) and aerodynamic design help its battery propel it using as little energy as possible. Mercedes also tuned its drivetrain to improve efficiency.
Are there other solar-powered cars?
So far, solar power alone can’t sufficiently propel a car, but the idea to use the technology for improving EV range wasn’t invented by Mercedes. It’s made its way through the industry for years now.
Two other new companies, California’s Aptera and Germany’s Sono Motors, also hope to enter the market in coming years with solar power as their focus. But Mercedes is the first established automaker to unveil a concept car that the sun can charge.
Will solar-powered cars be expensive?
You can’t buy a solar-powered car just yet, but when the time comes, expect it to cost a lot of money. New technology like this always starts off as a luxury item until automakers find a way to manufacture it for cheap. If the design of the Vision EQXX is any indicator, it’ll be expensive.
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