Gas price going up // Rethinking the new project car
Electric cars should have solar cells coating the skin of the body for recharging thru out the day
Not enough surface area to make a notable increase in range
I worked at a thin film solar manufacturer.
We investigated that.
On the roof of a semi trailer there is enough area to make a small dent in the refrigeration unit but only still a small dent.
Solar provides about 1000w per meter squared. A little more than 3 feet x 3 feet
At 15 to 20% efficiency that's 150 to 200 watts for about 3 feet by 3 feet.
Now the sun is not always streight overhead, so you loose a bit for every degree of angle, throw in clouds, dust, you name it.
Maybe you could get 50 watts times 6 hours. 300 watthours is not going to get you very far.