Hyundai and Kia will embrace the use of solar panels in their vehicles

Hyundai and Kia have announced their plans to introduce solar charging technology in some of the vehicles of Hyundai Motor Group. In this way, the aim is to increase range and generate an even more “eco-friendly” recharge.

Solar panel technology is one of the best alternatives for enjoying clean energy, generated directly from sunlight. Thanks to this initiative, a much greater range can be achieved and simultaneous recharging during use, as well as when the vehicle is parked and receives sunlight.

Thanks to the use of these panels, batteries can be recharged not only in eco-friendly vehicles, but also in traditional internal combustion vehicles, which will considerably improve the efficiency of the fuel used.

Hyundai Motor Group is developing three types of solar roof charging systems:

• The first-generation solar roof system, which will be applied to hybrid models, includes a structure of mass-produced silicon solar panels mounted on a standard roof. This system can charge from 30 to 60% of the battery per day, depending on the weather conditions and environment.

• The second-generation semi-transparent solar roof system will be applied to internal combustion vehicles for the first time in the world. The second generation system offers adjustable panel options, which provide a greater sense of spaciousness. The semi-transparent solar panels are mounted on the panoramic solar roof, maintaining transparency while charging the battery of an electric vehicle or an additional battery fitted to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The application of solar charging systems to internal combustion vehicles will help vehicles comply with global environmental laws regulating CO2 emissions.
• The third-generation lightweight solar roof system, currently in the pilot study stage for eco-friendly vehicle models, includes a structure that combines solar panels on the bonnet and the roof to maximise energy production.

The electricity from this process is converted into standard voltage by the controller and then either stored in the battery or used to reduce the loads on the alternating current generator.

We believe this is a great initiative on the part of the manufacturers; a system like this will help preserve the range of various models and recharge efficiently, for free and in an eco-friendly way. It is a clear step forward.