Mercedes is working on "solar paint" that could drastically reduce the need for charging

Mercedes develops solar paint reducing EV charging needs, offering 12,000 km/year in sunny areas.

: Mercedes-Benz is working on 'solar paint' that can generate electricity on a vehicle's surface, potentially providing enough power for 12,000 km annually if conditions are ideal. The paint, a mere five micrometers thick, is environmentally friendly, avoiding rare earths or silicon. It remains active even when the car is parked, and could meet most drivers' needs in sunny regions. Although promising, the innovation is still in the research phase, with durability challenges to address.

Mercedes-Benz is pioneering a 'solar paint' technology designed to generate electricity directly on a car's entire body. This innovation could power vehicles for up to 12,000 kilometers annually under optimal sunny conditions, reducing dependency on frequent charging stops.

Unlike traditional solar technologies, this paint is five micrometers thick and weighs just 50 grams per square meter, using economical and recyclable ingredients without rare earth materials. In sun-rich locations like Los Angeles, it might fully satisfy an average driver's energy needs, with excess power potentially returning to the home grid through bidirectional charging.

Despite its potential, the solar paint's real-world performance depends on factors such as geographic location and sun exposure. Currently, the paint's exact formula is confidential, likely a perovskite solution, known for solar efficiency but challenged by durability issues, which Mercedes is focusing on overcoming.

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