Electric cars embrace the sun: the revolutionary tarp promising endless energy

The solar tarp represents a promising innovation in the field of electric mobility, offering a practical and sustainable solution for charging electric cars using the sun's energy

Imagine the possibility of saying goodbye to the worries about your electric car’s range and the waiting times at charging stations. Thanks to André and Jocelyne Sassi of ACPV, this vision might soon become a reality. They have devised the “solar tarp,” a solution that might seem straight out of a science fiction story: a photovoltaic tarp that, by enveloping the vehicle, allows it to recharge using nothing but solar energy.

This device resembles the thermal blankets used in space, but serves a completely different purpose. The solar tarp is a light, flexible film, padded with organic photovoltaic cells, that automatically unrolls to wrap around the car, thus converting sunlight into electrical energy. Once it is no longer needed, it can be easily stored in the trunk. This system can provide up to 19 miles (about 30 km) of range per day, covering the average commute or allowing for short trips without the worry of finding a charging station.

A concept as simple as it is revolutionary

This is not merely a practical accessory; it represents a significant step forward towards sustainable mobility. The French startup Gazelle Tech has incorporated the solar tarp into its electric city car, the Gazelle, highlighting the efficiency and sustainability of this innovation. With the solar tarp, the Gazelle is capable of covering approximately 6,000 km (about 3,728 miles) per year using solely solar energy, with future prospects of doubling the range thanks to technological improvements.

Although the solar tarp still represents an optional feature and not a standard, its potential impact on the sustainability and range of electric cars is clear. This invention is a move in the right direction towards a future where cars are no longer seen as mere energy-consuming means of transport, but as an integral part of a sustainable ecosystem, capable of leveraging natural resources without waste.

Source: Acpvoltaique