In driving towards long-term and environmental-friendly transportation, Solar-assisted Electric Vehicles (SAEVs) form a vanguard. These form a fuse between Photovoltaic technology and Electric Vehicles by which the vehicles are regenerated through the sun’s energy, hence reducing reliance on coal-fired power, increasing driving range and curbing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) emission. These vehicles can travel long distance possible by reducing frequent charging which will save time and money.
Typically positioned on the car's roof and hood area, these panels convert sunlight into electric energy in SAEV technology. After conversion, this energy is stored in the vehicle's battery system and used to power the electric motor.
Increasing efficiency of Advanced PV cells and falling prices are important factors for making SAEVs possible. These cars can move in different ways, such as just with sun power or as hybrids, where they get electricity from both the sun and the electric grid or are only driven by using the battery, providing flexibility in different weather conditions and driving scenarios.
SAEVs enhance the range because they can go for long distances. During sunny days, solar-assisted electric vehicles have the capacity to cover more miles before being recharged from the main power supply, thereby reducing the number of times they need to plug into the mains.
Challenges remain in the large-scale adoption of Solar assisted electric vehicles (SAEVs) particularly due to the effectiveness of solar panels and the ultimate cost of production. Existing solar cells while getting better still have their own constraints in terms of efficiency and energy output especially in less sunny geographical locations. Some engineering concerns like added weight and aerodynamic are also a factor. However, ongoing research and technological advancements are rapidly addressing these issues, promising more efficient and cost-effective solutions in near future. Over the life of the car, they can save fuel and electricity which fetches for potential savings on costs. Governments and policymakers further stimulate the uptake using incentives, subventions as well as supportive infrastructures.