Hongqi unveils perovskite solar sunroof prototype for electric SUVs

Chinese automaker Hongqi has unveiled a prototype electric SUV, the EHS7 (also known as the Tiangong 08), featuring a panoramic sunroof integrated with next-generation perovskite photovoltaic technology. Unlike traditional crystalline silicon solar cells, perovskite materials are thinner, lighter, and more flexible, making them better suited for the curved surfaces of vehicle roofs.

The prototype can produce an instantaneous power of up to 300 watts under sufficient sunlight and is estimated to generate approximately 400 kWh of electricity annually. Hongqi aims to use this technology to potentially provide up to 80 km of driving range per day. The energy generated may be used to power low-voltage electrical loads, such as air conditioning, refrigerators, and vehicle monitoring systems, rather than solely charging the main traction battery.

Engineering challenges for the technology include protecting the perovskite material from sensitivity to water, oxygen, and ultraviolet radiation, as well as adapting the layer to the glass surface.