Making energy autonomous electric vehicles possible using solar power.

Last year we announced that we started the development of our new electric delivery van, called Re:volt.

Since we announced Re:volt to the public back in September of 2021, we have been focusing all our efforts on product development and engaging with potential customers and partners with diverse transport needs.

An electric delivery van that charges itself with the sun.

Support in our efforts of creating the world’s first energy autonomous commercial vehicle.

Last year, we were granted support for a new innovation project by the Swedish Energy Agency. The project is led by RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), who along with Clean Motion and three other Swedish companies, BEVI, Micropower and myFC will develop and test, different types of electric drive systems and combine various technical solutions, such as solar cells.

Clean Motion will research about the impact of solar energy for energy autonomous electric vehicles.

Director of Electric Vehicle Technology at Clean Motion, William Collings says:

“The purpose of the solar body is to extend the range and in some cases, eliminate the need for conventional charging all together. There is often a lack of charging infrastructure, especially in sunny countries, where the solar body will contribute to electrically powered transport that is otherwise not possible. This, combined with low cost, enables electric vehicles for people who would not otherwise have the opportunity.”

Göran Folkesson, CEO of Clean Motion, continues:

“Our latest vehicle Re:volt has solar cells on the roof. They provide up to 100km of extra range per day in the right conditions. But if the results of the project are successful, we’ll be able to increase that figure significantly – and hopefully soon eliminate the need for charging stops in many parts of the world.”

Solar energy and electric vehicles

The history of solar panels stretches itself all the way back to the 1800. And in 1939, Russell Ohl created the solar cell design that is used in many modern solar panels. He patented his design in 1941. In 1954, this design was first used by Bell Labs to create the first commercially viable silicon solar cell.

On Re:volt we have integrated highly efficient solar panels, called IBC.

Solar power is yet another way for us to save energy. It is a renewable source of energy, accessible in places where there is often a lack of charging infrastructure. So, by integrating solar panels on already energy efficient vehicles, such as Re:volt and Zbee. We have a good chance to cut down the cost of charging and propulsion, making electric vehicles able to operate in places with little to no access to charging infrastructure.

This is a big step towards making electric vehicles as self sufficient as physically possible. And in places where solar radiation is high, solar powered vehicles becomes a game changer.

How do we create the world’s first energy autonomous delivery van?

We believe that in order for electric vehicles to become energy autonomous, we have to focus on improving their energy efficiency. This is our core mission and by making our vehicles as light as possible we achieve a significant decrease in energy consumption, without affecting performance, safety and comfort.

Göran Folkesson, CEO of Clean Motion says: “We are not alone in integrating solar panels into vehicles. What is unique is the energy efficiency of our vehicles, which means that the solar-roof can make them self-sufficient in energy. It also means that with only 40 kg of batteries we can offer a range of 280 km, which will suit northern latitudes where the sun is not a reliable energy source.”