Hongqi perovskite solar sunroof prototype development

Chinese automaker Hongqi, a brand under the FAW Group, has unveiled a prototype electric SUV, the EHS7 (also referred to as the Tiangong 08), featuring a panoramic sunroof integrated with perovskite photovoltaic technology.

This technology utilizes perovskite materials, which are described as thinner, lighter, and more flexible than traditional crystalline silicon solar cells, allowing for better integration with curved vehicle surfaces. The manufacturer suggests the technology could potentially provide up to 80 km of driving range per day by generating approximately 400 kWh of electricity annually. The energy may be used to power low-voltage electrical loads such as air conditioning and vehicle monitoring systems.

Technical assessments of the prototype note that under optimal sunlight, the cells are estimated to produce approximately 300 W of power, yielding roughly 1.1 kWh per day. This translates to approximately 5.5 kilometers of additional daily range. Engineering challenges remain regarding the material’s sensitivity to water, oxygen, and ultraviolet radiation, as well as whether the power output is sufficient to run thermal management systems and electronics required for the charging process.