Recently, Solarstic, a South Korean tech company, unveiled a groundbreaking solar panel solution seamlessly integrated into electric vehicle bodies.
This innovation is poised to add tens of thousands of kilometers to annual driving ranges solely through solar energy, significantly reducing reliance on charging infrastructure.
What sets Solarstic apart from predecessors is its seamless integration. Instead of bulky external panels, the company employs advanced photovoltaic technology combined with premium plastics and polymers to create ultra-thin, lightweight, and highly flexible modules. This allows solar panels to discreetly blend beneath surfaces like roofs or hoods without compromising the vehicle’s overall design aesthetic.
Performance-wise, Solarstic’s results have stunned industry experts. A 500W configuration for sedans can extend driving range by up to 15,000 km annually under ideal conditions. Real-world testing on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 demonstrated a 30% increase in range, significantly cutting down on fixed charging station visits.
Solarstic’s ambitions extend beyond compact cars. For vans and commercial vehicles with larger surface areas, the company offers 1kW modules, potentially saving 25,000 km annually—approximately 70 km daily. For urban commuters, this could mean continuous operation without additional charging.
This technology is particularly transformative for motorhomes and mobile homes, enabling extended off-grid adventures through forests or deserts where charging stations are scarce.
Rather than retailing directly to consumers, Solarstic focuses on B2B partnerships with automakers. Hyundai and Kia have already confirmed collaborations to integrate this technology into next-gen electric vehicles, with potential expansion into solar solutions for construction projects.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
