No, Tesla didnt build this bizarre Cybertruck-inspired solar EV: this BMW-backed solar car project uses the suns rays to commute for free

Date:
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:16:11 +0000

Description:
BMW-backed solar EV can generate more energy than it uses

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Deep Orange 17 is claimed to generate more electricity than it uses The BMW-backed project uses 1,700 photovoltaic cells The prototype is based on an average 12-mile daily commute A team from Clemson University in South Carolina has produced a small, lightweight electric vehicle that it says can generate more energy than it uses over a typical day of urban driving.

Dubbed the Deep Orange 17, the boxy prototype, which looks a little like a butchered Tesla Cybertruck if you squint hard enough, was fitted with more than 1,700 photovoltaic cells that can produce enough charge to power a typical 12-mile daily commute. The fully functional vehicle weighs just 1,212lbs / 550kg, and is predominantly made from aluminum, carbon fiber and 3D-printed metal joints, which are all wrapped around a steel structure. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Its boxy shape has been designed so the photovoltaic panels can be positioned to maximize their exposure to the sun when the vehicle on the move, when parked, and even when stuck in traffic. (Image credit: BMW/Clemson
University) Developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for
Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany, the solar panels use an innovative construction that continues generating power even when portions of the panels are shaded. The orange coating is part of a durable film that
helps protect them. You may like I helped drive this record-setting EV across Britain for free on sunshine alone New solar panel design could increase
could increase daily PV energy production by 20% This CPU uses solar power to 'run computations' without the need for batteries

According to BMW , which is backing the project, the cells generate enough energy on a sunny day to power the tiny EV for up to 31 miles. That means it can generate more than twice the energy it needs to complete the low-mileage average daily commute touted by its makers.

While most of the energy comes from the photovoltaic panels, the team of 16 engineers also integrated regenerative braking and drew inspiration for the exterior from the aerodynamic characteristics of the boxfish, whose streamlined body naturally reduces drag while maintaining interior volume, apparently. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up
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Surprisingly, the project doesnt feature a spartan prototype interior. It's been fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as digital dials
that offer real-time vehicle telemetry and readouts on solar power
generation. Analysis: inspiring the next generation (Image credit:
BMW/Clemson University) Project manager Anshul Karn explained that it's rare for a masters student to have the opportunity to experience the complete process of developing a prototype vehicle and this is exactly what Deep Orange is designed for.

Of course, we arent going to suddenly see BMW put this into production, but
EV manufacturers are already toying with the idea of solar panels as a way of extending the range of electric vehicles. What to read next Solar energy sets new UK record as plug-in solar kits head for shelves Plug-in solar panels
and home battery installations are spreading in the US China's budget EV challenger just became Britain's cheapest new car

Nissan, for example, fitted an Ariya model with 3.8 square meters of custom solar panels earlier this year that could add 23km (around 14 miles) of additional range on a bright, sunny day.

Back in 2019, Hyundai became the first manufacturer to launch a car with a solar roof charging system when it added the tech to its Sonata Hybrid, while the Ioniq 5 was available in some markets with a solar charging roof.

Right now, the technology is expensive given the limited amount of range it can provide, but projects like Deep Orange could go on to influence smaller, lightweight urban transport that could easily harness the power of the sun
for 'free' energy. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/no-tesla-didnt -build-this-bizarre-cybertruck-inspired-solar-ev-this-bmw-backed-solar-car-pro ject-uses-the-suns-rays-to-commute-for-free


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