Audi has inked a deal with solar panel expert Alta Devices
to fit the energy-generating panels to the roofs of its future cars.
Alta Devices, based in California, is renowned for its
highly efficient solar panels. It will work with Audi to develop thin,
lightweight solar cells that can be integrated into the panoramic glass roofs
commonly found on cars. The first prototype should be ready in late 2017.
Later, the two firms will develop solar cells that will be able to line a car’s
entire roof surface.
Audi will initially fit the solar roofs to its electric
cars. The generated energy won’t be able to add range directly, however. Audi
says the energy will only be used to power ancillaries like the air conditioner
or seat heaters, thus saving that little bit of extra energy to increase range.
Eventually, though, the solar roofs will be able to directly
charge the main battery, Audi promises. Such a system features on the Fisker
Karma and its rebranded successor, the Karma Revero. We’re not talking much
range. Given the limited space, a couple of miles of range will likely require
at least a week of maximum sunshine.
Audi’s first volume electric car will be the e-tron SUV due in 2018. It will be
joined shortly after by the coupe-like e-tron
Sportback. Both models will be built at a plant in Belgium and offer a
range of at least 250 miles. Audi will add one additional electric car by
2020, believed to be a
city car targeting the BMW i3 and to a lesser extent Chevrolet’s Bolt
EV.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1112319_audi-electric-cars-will-come-with-solar-roofs
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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