In a dramatic departure from bulky rooftop solar panels, Mercedes-Benz has engineered an almost impossibly thin photovoltaic coating that blankets entire vehicle surfaces, potentially adding thousands of kilometres to electric vehicles’ range annually without compromising design aesthetics.
The breakthrough technology, showcased on the Vision Iconic concept car, measures a mere 5 micrometres, making it thinner than a human hair yet capable of transforming every curve and panel into an electricity generator.
Unlike conventional approaches that mount rigid solar cells onto limited roof space, this innovative film integrates directly into the vehicle's structure, positioned between body panels and the glossy exterior finish. The coating operates invisibly, with specially formulated nanoparticle paint allowing 94 percent of solar energy to penetrate and reach the photovoltaic layer below.
Environmental sustainability drives the technology's design philosophy. Mercedes engineers deliberately avoided silicon and rare-earth materials common in traditional solar panels, instead developing recyclable nanoparticle-based components that minimise ecological impact throughout the product life cycle.
The system's versatility extends beyond aesthetics. It generates power continuously, whether vehicles are actively driving, sitting in parking lots, or stored in garages, potentially providing passive charging that reduces dependence on grid infrastructure.
Real-world applications appear promising. Mercedes projects that an 11-square-metre installation, typical for midsize SUVs, could deliver energy equivalent to 12 000 kilometres of annual driving in Stuttgart's climate conditions. Sunnier regions show even greater potential, with Los Angeles projections reaching 20 000 kilometres yearly.
"Automotive solar concepts have existed for years, but practical implementation across complex vehicle shapes remained elusive," Jochen Schmid, senior manager for future electric drive at Mercedes-Benz, explained to Automotive News Europe.
The engineering challenge is centred on material flexibility. "Developing a coating that conforms to intricate three-dimensional contours while maintaining efficiency was our breakthrough moment," Jochen says.
Cost management remains crucial for commercialisation. The development team continues to refine application processes to ensure affordability. "Our research must yield solutions that don't burden customers with additional €10,000 costs, which would negate ownership advantages," he emphasises.
Aesthetic versatility may expand beyond the current black finish. Engineers are exploring colour options: blues, reds and greens, using light-filtering technologies that preserve substantial energy collection capabilities, though performance correlates inversely with colour brightness.
"Blue finishes might sacrifice roughly 5 percent efficiency compared to black," Jochen notes. "White presents the steepest performance penalty."
This innovation exemplifies Mercedes-Benz's strategic commitment to advancing electric vehicle efficiency and sustainability, potentially influencing industry-wide approaches to renewable energy integration in automotive manufacturing.
Nissan Motor Co, Ltd and Wayve have announced definitive agreements to collaborate on integrating next-generation ProPILOT technology with Wayve's artificial intelligence software across a broad range of Nissan vehicles.
SCW Group’s multi-franchise set-up in Milnerton in the Western Cape now also boasts a brand-new Mahindra dealership.
The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the long-awaited semi-finalists for the 40th edition of the prestigious 2026 Car of the Year (COTY) competition, held annually since 1986.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
According to a Reuters report, Ford and Renault have agreed to work together on a new generation of compact, lower-priced electric cars for Europe, while also expanding cooperation on commercial vans, as both manufacturers seek to defend their market positions against increasingly aggressive Chinese rivals.
As South Africa forges ahead in the automotive landscape, a notable divide has emerged in the growing realm of new-energy vehicles.
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