New solar paint increases electric vehicle autonomy

Have you ever thought about a future where your car generates its own energy while parked or moving? Well, that future is closer than you think. In 2024, Mercedes-Benz is leading this revolution with a groundbreaking technology: a solar paint capable of transforming sunlight into electrical energy to recharge the batteries of electrified vehicles.

This solution not only promises to increase the autonomy of electric cars, but it also reinforces the German manufacturer's commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. If you're curious about how this could impact the automotive market and your daily life, keep reading.

How does Mercedes-Benz solar paint work?

Unlike existing technologies, such as solar panels that occupy the roof or sides of some vehicles, Mercedes-Benz's solar paint covers the entire bodywork of the car. This comprehensive application is possible thanks to the incredible lightness and flexibility of the material.

The paint, with only 5 micrometers thick (thinner than a strand of hair), is so versatile that it can be applied in curved surfaces and even in areas with creases and details. Plus, it only weighs 50 grams per square meter, which means that she does not compromise the total weight of the vehicle — an essential factor in maintaining energy efficiency.

Despite this lightness, the energy efficiency of the ink is surprising, reaching 20%, the same as traditional solar cells. Under ideal sun conditions, this technology can generate enough power to add up to 55 km of autonomy per day.

Impact on autonomy: a longer journey with the power of the sun

Now, imagine a medium SUV, like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, completely covered in solar paint. With about 11 square meters of capture surface, this vehicle could generate, on average, 12,000 km of extra range per year.

To put this into perspective, 12,000 km corresponds to more than five round trips between São Paulo and Porto Alegre. This means that for daily commutes, many people could almost eliminate the need for recharging at conventional stations.

If you live in sunny regions, such as the Brazilian Northeast, where the sun shines brightly almost all year round, the gains are even more significant. Even in areas with less sunlight, such as parts of Europe, the technology has already shown promising results in tests.

Sustainability in focus: less environmental impact, more efficiency

In addition to its energy efficiency, Mercedes solar paint is also a sustainability milestone. Unlike other technologies, it does not use rare metals or materials that are difficult to recycle. This means that the paint manufacturing and disposal process has a much smaller environmental impact.

With this, Mercedes reinforces its position as a leader in the automotive sector in terms of innovation and environmental responsibility. Produce more sustainable electric vehicles It is not just a trend, but a necessity in a world seeking to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

When will this technology be available?

Although it is still in development phase, the first practical tests of Mercedes' solar paint are already showing encouraging results. The automaker is currently fine-tuning technical details, such as the method of application of the paint on the bodywork.

This technology is expected to hit the market in the coming years. When that happens, you could benefit from a vehicle that uses sunlight as a free and sustainable energy source.

While we wait for this news, it is worth noting that Mercedes-Benz is not alone in this race. Companies like Sono Motors It is Aptera are also investing in solar solutions for vehicles. However, Mercedes' big differentiator is the possibility of cover the entire body of the car, offering a much higher gain in autonomy.

A more economical future for you

Now, let's talk about how this can impact your pocket. Currently, the average cost of electricity to charge a car in Brazil varies, but it is generally cheaper than fueling with fossil fuels. With solar paint, you could save even more by taking advantage of a free and renewable energy directly from the sun.

Think about it: if you generate about 55 km of autonomy per day with solar energy, this could mean a savings of hundreds of reais per month, depending on how often you use your vehicle. Plus, the convenience of not having to look for a charging station as often is a priceless benefit.

The future of electric cars and the automotive market

The introduction of this technology is another step towards future of electric mobility. As automakers invest in innovations to improve autonomy and sustainability, electric cars are becoming increasingly attractive to consumers around the world.

In Brazil, with the gradual increase in infrastructure for electric vehicles and government incentives, the adoption of this type of technology is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. And, with the Mercedes solar paint, you will have even more reasons to consider transitioning to an electric vehicle.

Conclusion: the sun as an ally of sustainable mobility

The solar paint of Mercedes-Benz is a solution that combines sustainability, innovation and energy efficiency. With it, you can take advantage of sunlight to increase your vehicle's autonomy, save money and reduce environmental impact.

Although it is still in the development phase, this technology already promises to transform the way we view electric cars. It is a vision of the future that is closer than we imagine.

So, if you're thinking about changing your car in the next few years, keep an eye on this new product from Mercedes-Benz. The sun could be your next ally on the road, ensuring longer and more economical trips.

The future of electric mobility is shining, literally, with the power of the sun!