Solar-Integrated Electric Vehicle Produces More Energy Than It Consumes
Graduate students at Clemson University have created an electric car that can produce more energy than it uses during a typical day of urban driving. The team developed Deep Orange 17 with BMW of North America. The prototype combines solar cells, lightweight materials and smart control systems.
The project explores how future electric cars could rely less on charging stations.
Collecting Solar Energy Throughout The Day
Passenger cars spend most of their time parked. Deep Orange 17 uses this time to collect solar energy. The team placed more than 1,781 photovoltaic cells across the car’s outer surfaces. As a result, the vehicle can produce electricity while parked and while driving.
Solar power supports the car’s main energy system, rather than acting as an extra feature. The cells keep adding energy to the battery throughout the day. This helps balance the electricity that the car uses for daily journeys.
The students based the concept on real urban travel patterns. They did not focus only on standard test cycles. This approach shows how driving habits and parking time can shape energy-efficient vehicle design.
A Lightweight Mix Of Materials
Low weight plays a key role in the car’s performance. Deep Orange 17 weighs around 550 kilograms. That is about one-quarter of the weight of many production cars of a similar size.
The chassis combines several materials. Structural steel protects the passengers, while aluminium parts reduce weight. Carbon-fibre elements add strength, and 3D-printed metal joints connect parts of the structure.
Each material serves a clear purpose. However, this mix can make repair and recycling more difficult. Designers must therefore consider how to separate and recover the materials at the end of the car’s life. Future versions could use removable connections and parts designed for reuse.
A Form Inspired By The Boxfish
The design team took inspiration from the boxfish. Its streamlined body moves through water with little resistance while keeping a large internal volume. Deep Orange 17 uses a similar balance to reduce air resistance without limiting cabin space.
The car also uses regenerative braking to recover energy. Smart torque control and an efficient drivetrain reduce further energy losses. Inside, a custom display shows live vehicle and energy data. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Deep Orange 17 is a research prototype rather than a production car. Even so, it shows how solar technology, material choices and low-energy design could support cleaner electric mobility.
Source & photos: Clemson University