☀️ Solar Prototype Produces Extra Power

More than 1,700 solar cells cover a flexible photovoltaic skin on a boxfish-inspired prototype built by graduate students at Clemson University with BMW support. Flat surfaces reduce drag, while Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute helped develop the skin.

The car weighs 550 kg. A skeletal chassis with 3D-printed metal joints and lightweight composite panels keeps it light.

Simulations say a 20 km daily trip uses 1.6 kWh, while a sunny day could produce 5.7 kWh, adding up to 50 km of extra range while parked. These are not measurements and assume ideal weather and an open parking spot. Battery, speed, crash-testing, and comfort details were not disclosed.

📊@tech