One of the biggest barriers in the adoption of electric vehicles around the world remains the limited charging infrastructure, forcing drivers to alter trip itineraries to ensure there are enough stations along the route. To address this issue, GoSun, a company specialising in portable solar solutions, has developed a foldable solar roof, that can be opened up anywhere to provide solar energy to the vehicle.
The “Solar EV Charger” was specifically designed to meet the growing demand for charging solutions. Foldable into a 4 by 4 feet (1.2 metres) compartment, it is made of high-performance, lightweight solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. The company promises the technology can provide a strong and reliable power source even in the face of natural elements.
Since the charger installs on the roof of the care, it can provide energy anywhere, be it in a regular car park in the middle of the city, at home, at the office or while on a camping trip in the wilderness. It is also “easy to operate”, according to GoSun, all drivers have to do is park their car, “unfold the solar panels, plug it in, and let the sun do the rest”.
“Our EV Solar Charger is another example of GoSun’s dedication to developing breakthrough solar solutions and pushing for a brighter future. It is empowering to make your own fuel everyday simply by capturing the sunshine that falls on your vehicle’s footprint”, said GoSun CEO, Patrick Sherwin.
Weighing only 32 kilograms, the charger is made from high-quality materials, while the solar panels fold into an all-weather car top case. It has 1,200 watts, which the company says is enough to make around 80% of the vehicle’s annual mileage, or about 30 miles per day (48 km) on a charge.
The charger is available for pre-order on GoSun’s website, with deliveries expected in 2025. Although it is priced at $2,999, reserving a solar charger only takes an $100 refundable deposit, according to the company, which claims it received over $2 million worth of orders in the first 45 days of announcing the product.
Other breakthroughs in the sector have come in the form of batteries that could fully charge in less than 5 minutes or even just 72 seconds. Wireless charging has also emerged as a possible solution, with Sweden planning to put the technology in action with a permanent electrified road that would charge EVs while driving.
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