Clemson University students develop solar-powered EV prototype

Students at Clemson University in the United States have developed a solar-integrated electric vehicle prototype named Luminetta, as part of the Deep Orange 17 project. Developed in collaboration with BMW’s research and development team, the vehicle is designed to capture solar energy while driving and while parked to increase autonomy and reduce reliance on traditional charging infrastructure.

The prototype features over 1,700 photovoltaic cells integrated into its exterior body. Simulations conducted in various global locations, including Greenville, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Mumbai, showed that for a daily 20-kilometer commute, the solar generation could provide an average of 50 extra kilometers of range. The vehicle is constructed using high-strength steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, weighing approximately 550 kilograms to improve efficiency. Its design, inspired by the boxfish, aims to reduce aerodynamic drag.