What if your next EV could generate its own power just by sitting in your driveway? Mercedes’ solar paint might just make it possible.
Mercedes-Benz is taking a big step toward revolutionizing electric vehicles with its new solar paint technology. This innovative coating has the potential to make EVs even more efficient by using sunlight to generate power, giving drivers extra range and easing the burden of frequent charging.
Unlike traditional solar panels, which are often mounted on roofs and can be fragile, Mercedes’ solar paint can cover the entire surface of a car. It’s incredibly thin—just 5 micrometers—and lightweight at 50 grams per square meter. The coating can also be applied to any part of the car, including curved fenders, wheels, and panel creases, making it more versatile than solar panels.
The paint operates at 20% efficiency, matching the performance of today’s solar cells. What’s even better is that it works around the clock, whether the car is running or parked, continuously feeding energy to the battery. In sunny areas like Los Angeles, Mercedes engineers estimate the paint could generate up to 34 miles of driving range per day, which is more than enough for the average daily commute of 29 miles. In less sunny locations like Stuttgart, Germany, the paint could still provide significant range boosts throughout the year.
The technology is not just practical but also environmentally friendly. The paint is non-toxic, easy to recycle, and doesn’t rely on rare earth materials, making it more sustainable and cost-effective than other solar solutions. Mercedes sees this as a step toward solving range anxiety, a major hurdle for EV adoption, especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
Mercedes is still keeping some details under wraps, including how the paint will be applied to vehicles. While the company has described it as a paste-like substance, it won’t be applied using traditional painting methods. Engineers have also confirmed that darker colors will work better for energy absorption, but the paint can technically be any color.
This development is part of Mercedes’ larger goal to make EVs more efficient, which the company describes as the “new currency” in the electric era. The solar paint’s ability to generate power directly on the car could significantly reduce the need for frequent charging stops, making EVs more convenient for everyday use.
Although the technology isn’t ready for mass production yet, it shows great promise. Mercedes is continuing to refine the solar paint, and while it may take years before it becomes a standard feature, the concept represents a major leap forward in EV innovation. If all goes according to plan, this solar coating could transform the way we think about powering electric vehicles, helping drivers go farther with less hassle while reducing their environmental impact.
