Mercedes developing solar paint for EVs

Mercedes-Benz solar paint coating vs. a solar cell

Mercedes-Benz solar paint coating vs. a solar cell

Some EVs, hybrids, and even gas-powered cars have featured various arrangements of solar cells. These are usually mounted on the roof and are wired in a series array actuated by a single central control unit. The solar cells aren’t flexible and can shatter under stress.

Mercedes is developing a solar paint that could cover the entire body in solar-active material. Mercedes said the coating is thin at only 5 micrometers thick and weighs 50 grams per square meter, and that it can be applied to any material. It can also be applied to any surface, from wheels to curved fenders and hood creases.

The solar paint can be any color, but darker colors are better because they absorb more light whereas lighter colors like white and silver are more reflective. Mercedes engineers said the solar paint has an efficiency of 20%, which matches today’s solar cells used on vehicles.

The energy recovered by the solar paint can be transferred to the vehicle’s high-voltage battery pack. The paint is active at all times, whether the vehicle is on or off, and always provides energy to the battery.

The average customer in Los Angeles drives 29 miles per day, the brand says. But according to its engineers, an EV with the solar paint could produce up to 34 miles worth of energy per day. 

Mercedes noted the paint is a paste-like substance, but the automaker wouldn’t say how it would be applied—only confirming it wouldn’t be painted on.

Mercedes-Benz paid for travel and lodging for Green Car Reports to bring you this information.