NLV Solar AG have that very plan in mind with a concept called the Quant. The basis of the Quant is a car designed and engineered by Koenigsegg – home of the CCX; one of the fastest cars in the world let alone Sweden, their home.
The Preliminary spec of the Quant is high and ambitious (below) but most interesting to me is the use of solar cells.
Other manufacturers like Audi, Aptera and Fisker use solar panels in the roof but acknowledge that the output of the panels is only strong enough to help ancillary equipment like interior air circulation fans keep the car cool in summer. NLV Solar is coating the whole car in a thin film of solar cells; literally part of the paintwork. The company is non-committal about the impact of the solar contribution saying “The additional power input from the invisible, thin-film photovoltaic coating that covers the body of the car further increases the range potential.”.
Given that the sun only shines on one side of the car at any given time, how much can the solar cells contribute? Gives you more excuses to wash the car and keep it clean though… beyond the stunning looks that is!
pdf on the quant here
Preliminary spec:
Power: 512 bhp
Torque: 715 nm
0–100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
Top speed: 275 km/h
Curb weight: 1780 kg
Wheelbase 3102 mm
Track – front: 1730 mm Rear: 1729 mm
Wheels/tyres – front: 245/35 - 23” , rear: 285/30 - 23” - low-friction tyres by Michelin
Width: 2016 mm incl. rear-view mirrors, Length: 4879 mm, Height: 1335 mm
Rear-wheel drive
Four-wheel brake regeneration
Minimum 6 smart airbags, ABS and ESP
3 infotainment panels(one in front, two for the rear)
Adjustable rear seats
3 zone climate control system
Generous leg room in the rear
LED front and rear lights
Body covered in NLV photovoltaic thin film solar coating
NLV mobile redox Flow Accumulator Energy Storage system - FAES
Space for four adults
Price: TBD
Posted
03-04-2009 9:30
by
MPT