From sun rays to smart ways: Researching solar-powered mobility in action

What if the vehicles delivering our groceries or parcels could charge themselves as they moved through the city? In short, that is the question behind our new collaboration with the Swedish Energy Agency and the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) is set to answer. Together we have now started the research project to study how solar-charged vehicles like EVIG perform in real-world conditions across different climates and regions.

Running from 2025 to 2027, the project "Energy-Autonomous Vehicles – Analysis of Operational Performance and User Experiences of Solar-Charged Electric Vehicles" is carried out together with the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) and will gather data from EVIG vehicles already in operation in Sweden, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. This unique scope makes it possible to compare performance in vastly different climates from Scandinavia to the Middle East.

Breaking New Ground in Solar-Powered Mobility

“This project is unique because it lets us study how solar-powered vehicles perform in the day-to-day realities of urban transport,” explains William Collings, CTO at Clean Motion. Unlike conventional electric vans, EVIG is specifically designed for city deliveries. Its lightweight design, up to 2.3m³ cargo capacity and 300 kg payload make it a practical choice for last-mile logistics. Equipped with a 570W rooftop solar panel and a compact battery (up to 10 kWh), EVIG consumes as little as 0.4 kWh per 10 km, around five times more efficient than the average electric car. This means the solar panels aren’t just symbolic. They generate a meaningful share of the energy needed, allowing EVIG to recharge while operating, cutting downtime and reducing reliance on charging infrastructure.

Beyond Plugging In

For William Collings, the potential goes far beyond convenience: “Most electric vehicles rely heavily on charging infrastructure, which can be expensive and limit where they can operate. With EVIG, solar power provides real energy autonomy, lowering operating costs, reducing emissions, and easing pressure on urban power grids.” In sunnier regions, this can translate into extended range and fewer charging stops. In cloudier climates, solar power still provides valuable supplemental energy, improving efficiency and keeping vehicles on the road longer.

From the left: Harrison Bhati (VTI), William Collings (Clean Motion), Arne Nåbo (VTI)

From sun rays to smart ways

The research will combine technical performance data with user experience feedback from operators across different geographies. “The insights we gain will help shape future vehicle design, fleet strategies, and urban transport systems,” says William Collings. “Understanding how weather, geography, and real-world use affect solar charging and performance is essential for scaling this technology.” By producing data on the effectiveness of solar-charged vehicles, Clean Motion and VTI aim to influence urban policy, inform fleet electrification strategies, and accelerate the rollout of energy-autonomous vehicles.

Leading the Shift Toward Sustainable Cities

This initiative forms part of the FFI research program Zero Emissions, aligning with Clean Motion’s mission to pioneer efficient, low-impact transport solutions. Beyond reducing emissions, solar-powered EVs can make cities more resilient against rising energy costs and power shortages while keeping goods moving reliably. “By proving solar-powered vehicles can work across diverse conditions, we’re laying the foundation for a new era in sustainable urban transport,” Collings notes. “This isn’t just innovation it’s essential for meeting the climate challenges cities face.”

Looking Ahead

As the project unfolds, Clean Motion will demonstrate the potential of solar-powered mobility. By 2027, it is planned to have the data needed, and in depth understand how to scale energy-autonomous fleets and help cities reduce emissions. “The sun is an incredible, clean energy source right above our heads,” William Collings concludes. “Harnessing it to power urban deliveries is a smart, practical step that benefits operators, customers, and the planet.”

Key Points

• Project name: Energy-Autonomous Vehicles – Analysis of Operational Performance and User Experiences of Solar-Charged Electric Vehicles.

• Partners: Research carried out together with VTI (the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute).

• Focus: Collecting both technical performance data and user experiences of EVIG in everyday urban use.

• Scope: Vehicles already in use in Sweden, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia will provide comparisons across various climates and environments.

• Timeline: Project runs from 2025 to 2027.

• Goal: Understand how solar power can make vehicles more self-sufficient, cut costs, and support broader commercialization of energy-autonomous transport.