The owner of a Tesla Model Y decided to build his own solar roof to increase the range of his electric SUV.
In the past, there have been discussions and efforts to add solar power to electric vehicles by both Tesla and other automakers. However, the potential has not been fully exploited.
Other automakers offer it as an option, but the problem with solar roof systems is that they usually only power some auxiliary features and not the battery for the actual powertrain. Or, if they do power the battery, they provide minimal miles of range per day.
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In 2017, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he suggested to his engineers that they consider integrating solar cells into the Model 3, but at the time, they decided not to proceed with the move.
Since then, the efficiency of solar cells has improved and Tesla has developed its own expertise in their integration through the development of solar roof tiles.
After the Cybertruck, Musk said the new electric pickup truck would offer a solar roof option that would add 15 miles of range per day. A few years later, Tesla filed a patent showing solar cells integrated into the top and rear of the Cybertruck.
However, the Cybertruck has now been released and does not include a solar roof – at least not yet.
The idea of harnessing solar energy, however, has excited many drivers, and so the owner of a Tesla Model Y decided to build his own deployable solar roof.
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The owner built a roof that fits on top of his Tesla Model Y and can deploy 9 175-watt panels to charge vehicle his.
He wrote that he has been working on this project for the last two years and is happy because now, as he says, he can "charge his car anywhere in the world!".
Three-dimensional parts and a telescopic carbon fiber tube were used to construct the roof, to develop the panels.
He estimates that he can add over 32 km of range per day.
The owner has created a website for people to follow his project, which he says is still in beta. Users can ask him to build them a solar roof for their Tesla Model Y or get the plans for it.
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Using solar energy to power electric cars can make a significant contribution to their sustainability. Firstly, solar energy is a renewable energy source. This means that electric cars can operate without the need for regular charging.
In addition, solar energy is cost-effective , so electric cars that use it may be more profitable than traditional cars.
Source: electrek.co
