The Potential of Onboard Solar Pv in Electric Vehicles: Analyzing Energy Generation, Range, Thermal Management, and Sustainability Gains

Abstract

Electrification of vehicles represents a pivotal step towards averting the catastrophic climate change and its severe threats to ecosystems, human livelihoods, and global sustainability; however, limited range and prolonged charging times hinder widespread adoption. This study develops a solar-powered electric vehicles (SEVs) system that paves the way for self-sustaining zero emission transportation by integrating photovoltaic (PV) panels on different vehicle surfaces. Photovoltaic(PV) energy generation is analyzed in diverse configurations and climatic conditions, examining geographical and seasonal variations. The findings reveal that in India an average photovoltaic driving range is 109.96 km/day. However, the average power consumption to maintain an internal temperature of 22°C is 12.68 kW/day. In particular, integration of photovoltaic in whole car reduces the demand for cooling power by 28-29 percentages at all locations. Unlike partial PV setups, fully integrated solar vehicles surpass the power required for air conditioning while still retaining surplus energy to drive up to 37 km/day solely on solar power. Furthermore, this technology enables a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide of up to 18 kg / day, significantly mitigating the environmental impact. These results demonstrate that PV-integrated electric vehicles can improve range, alleviate grid dependence, and drive the global transition to sustainable transportation. This research reinforces the feasibility of solar mobility as a key enabler of zero-emission transport and a crucial step in combating climate change.

Keywords: solar vehicles, zero emission self-sustain vehicles, sustainable mobility, photovoltaic integrated vehicles, thermal management, maintenance of optimum inside temperature, reduction in CO2, reduction in power required