Sister carmakers
Hyundai Motor and
Kia Motors will soon introduce
'solar roof' charging technology in some of its vehicles
after 2019, using
solar panels incorporated into the roof or hood that will support internal combustion, hybrid and battery electric vehicles
"with additional electrical power, increasing fuel efficiency and range."
The solar charging technology is being developed to
support the vehicle's main power source, improving mileage and reducing CO2 emissions. The system will have the capability to charge the batteries of eco-friendly electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as those of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, helping to improve fuel efficiency.
Three types of
solar roof charging systems are reportedly being developed by both brands.
The
first-generation system , which will be
applied to hybrid models, is created out of a
structure of silicon solar panels that are
integrated into a standard car roof. This system is
capable of charging 30 to 60 percent of the battery over the course of a normal day, depending on weather conditions and other environmental factors.
The
second-generation semi-transparent solar roof will be
applied to ICE vehicles, representing a
world-first application for the technology. The semi-transparent technologies can be
integrated with a panoramic sunroof, letting light through into the cabin, while simultaneously charging the vehicle's battery. Applying solar charging systems to ICE vehicles will help them comply with ever more stringent global environmental laws regulating CO2 emissions.
The
third-generation system, is
currently being tested and is designed to be
applied to the hood and roof of eco-friendly battery electric vehicle models in order to
maximize energy output.
"In the future, we expect to see many different types of electricity-generating technologies integrated into our vehicles. The solar roof is the first of these technologies, and will mean that automobiles no longer passively consume energy, but will begin to produce it actively," said Jeong-Gil Park, Executive Vice President of the Engineering and Design Division of Hyundai Motor Group and the developer of the technology. "It is an exciting development for us, designing a technology for vehicle owners to help them shift from being energy users to being energy producers."
The first generation of the technology will be launched after 2019 "to help meet global regulations targets and improve vehicle fuel efficiency."
