With the rise of electric cars, we are always looking for new solutions to gain autonomy. Although some manufacturers already integrate solar panels into their vehicles, these models remain rare and expensive. DartSolar decided to take a different path: a solar roof that fits all electric cars.
A concept that adapts to all cars
The system is presented as a roof rack equipped with six light and resistant solar panels. The idea? Take advantage of the sun to recharge the battery, whether during your runs, a break at the beach or even while riding. In compact mode, only two panels are active, but the assembly can be extended to deploy the other four and reach a total power of 960 watts.
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This device weighs approximately 40 kilos and is installed on an aluminum structure equipped with telescopic stainless steel tubes. It is robust and well thought out: once folded, it only protrudes 3.8 cm from the roof, reducing the impact on aerodynamics and consumption. And if you need to carry luggage, no worries: the adapter supports up to 23 additional kilos.
But how many kilometers can you really gain? DartSolar promises charging equivalent to 16 to 32 km of range per day, or around 5 kWh of energy. Obviously, these figures depend on factors such as sunshine, weather and even driving style. The energy produced is stored in an external battery (EcoFlow type), which can then recharge your car via a conventional level 1 or 2 cable.
In terms of price, the whole thing (battery included) costs $3,450 as standard. An “early bird” offer, however, allows you to reserve the system for $99, with a final payment of $2,950 upon delivery scheduled for next year. And good news for American customers: they could benefit from a 30% tax credit, which makes the investment even more attractive. Not a word, however, about a release in Europe.
Launched by Omid Sadeghpour, a passionate Californian inventor, the DartSolar project has evolved significantly since its first prototypes. Today, the final product looks set to appeal to motorists looking to save money on their daily commute. According to its creators, the system could even pay for itself in two years, with a return on investment multiplied by five over its estimated lifespan of 10 years.
It remains to be seen whether the promise will keep its commitments, but the idea is attractive. Whether you are looking for additional autonomy or simply curious, DartSolar offers a simple and practical solution for driving ever further thanks to the sun. What if this was just the beginning of the democratization of solar roofs for electric cars?
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