Electric cars gain ground, but range anxiety persists

Rooftop solar panels promise to extend the range of electric cars by up to 32 km per day: DartSolar launches an innovative and sustainable solution for those looking for alternatives to classic charging stations

Where electric cars are getting popular nowadays, their range is turning out to be a main reason for low adoption rates. DartSolar, an American startup, has floated quite an interesting solution for this: retractable solar panels installed on a car’s roof. The idea behind it: adding up to 20 miles of daily range using clean energy, sans charging stations.

The photovoltaic roof rack

Anyone who has ever traveled by electric car knows this feeling: Finding a charging station can be like searching for treasure, at least in the countryside. The solution at DartSolar is simple and effective: a portable photovoltaic roof rack fitted for any electric vehicle, not just high-end models such as Teslas. The idea is not new, but Sadeghpour, founder of DartSolar, has advanced it to market maturity.

It’s made of six lightweight and robust fiberglass panels that are weatherproof with ETFE coating. Folding up doesn’t make the panels stop generating electricity. The result: 360 watts while driving, 960 watts when the rack is fully deployed-enough for short daily trips independent of any power grid. Weighing only 90 pounds, the rack can even support a light load of other things, making it practical to take on a camping trip, for instance.

How much energy can you really save?

This system isn’t a charging infrastructure substitute but offers real advantages. With an added 20 miles of range each day, drivers can reduce trips to charging stations, reducing money spent and carbon emissions alike. But the product is best suited for sunny climates or drivers with short commutes-more of a supplement than a game-changer.

Priced at around $3,000, DartSolar positions the system as a long-term investment. 3D-printed parts make maintenance easier, as repairs are inexpensive and easy. The company estimates the product will last about 10 years, but whether it will gain traction remains to be seen. The question still begs: is a solar roof rack worth the cost, or is it just a stopgap until better battery technology arrives?

Source: DartSolar.com