# Clemson University solar electric vehicle development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/clemson-university-solar-electric-vehicle-development > Updated: 2026-08-23T14:40:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. A team of 16 automotive engineering master's students from Clemson University has developed a solar-powered electric vehicle prototype known as Luminetta, part of the Deep Orange 17 project. Developed in collaboration with BMW’s research and development team and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the two-seat coupé is designed to generate electricity through over 1,700 photovoltaic cells integrated into its bodywork, functioning both while parked and in motion. The vehicle focuses on efficiency through a lightweight construction of approximately 550 kilograms, utilizing steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and 3D-printed metal. Its boxfish-inspired design aims to minimize aerodynamic drag. Simulations conducted in locations such as Greenville, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Mumbai indicate that for a 20-kilometer daily commute, the solar energy produced could provide an average of 50 kilometers of additional range, though researchers noted that actual generation remains highly dependent on weather and solar radiation intensity. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Clemson University students develop solar EV that generates excess energy Clemson University students developed the Deep Orange 17, a lightweight solar EV that can generate more energy than required for daily urban commutes using over 1,700 integrated photovoltaic cells. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/clemson-university-students-develop-solar-ev-that-generates-excess-energy ### 2026-08-16: Clemson University students develop solar-powered EV prototype Clemson University students and BMW have developed Luminetta, a solar-integrated electric vehicle prototype designed to increase driving range using over 1,700 photovoltaic cells. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bmw-and-clemson-university-students-develop-solar-powered-electric-vehicle --- Cite as: Clemson University solar electric vehicle development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/clemson-university-solar-electric-vehicle-development