Brito M.C., Amaro e Silva R., Pera D., Costa I., Boutov D.
Progress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications, vol. 32, n° 2, pp. 73-83, 2024
Solar-powered vehicles have the potential to reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, operational costs and charging frequency needs of electric vehicles. This potential will depend on the local solar irradiation but also shadowing conditions, a relevant issue for urban contexts. The potential of solar-powered vehicles in the urban context is modelled for 100 cities across the world showing that the median solar extended driving range is 18 and 8 km/day/kWp for driving and parked vehicles, respectively. The most favourable geographies include Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia; nonetheless, solar-powered mobility has relevant potential across the full sample, including China, Europe, North America and Australia. Highlights: Urban VIPV potential is assessed for 100 cities across the world. Solar extended driving range varies between 11 and 29 km/day/kWp. Charging frequency ratio ranges from 0% to 80%, with a median of 57%. Urban shadowing reduces driving range by about 25% for driving vehicles.
