WAEV, maker of the popular electric car GEM, has just announced a new solar panel option that turns the electric car's roof into a convenient power source.
GEM electric vehicles are among the most popular low-speed vehicles in the United States, a class of small, efficient vehicles designed for use in urban areas that do not require large, bulky vehicles.
As fully electric vehicles, electric cars run on batteries and typically need to be plugged into an outlet to charge.
The new monocrystalline solar panel module, announced today, is an optional roof-mounted accessory that helps charge the GEM's lead-acid or lithium battery, depending on the model.
WAEV Technical Director Joe Kenny said:
This Earth Month we are introducing a new solar panel option to power GEM electric vehicles with renewable energy. Sustainability has been at the heart of GEM for over 20 years and we are committed to providing greener vehicles to our customers, individuals and businesses.
The company did not release the exact performance specifications of the solar panels, but did share information about the impact of different models on runtime.
For example, based on the GEM model, WAEV expects solar accessories to add 4.3 to 12.4 miles (6.9 to 20 km) of range per day.
Solar panels in conventional electric vehicles rarely offer this option, mainly due to the more powerful motors used in electric vehicles. With more powerful motors, the same power produced by smaller solar panels cannot reach the same range.
But LSVs like the GEM have smaller motors that accelerate them to speeds of up to 40 km/h. As such, they are much more efficient and can therefore convert the same amount of electricity as a solar generator over a much longer range.
We've seen solar panels used on other LSVs, like Wink Motors' Mark 2 Solar, which we tested in New York last month.
These types of solar-powered LSVs usually do not get their full charge from the sun, but instead use the solar panels as range extenders. Vehicles can still be plugged into regular sockets for the first charge.
Quiet vehicles, often referred to as neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) or microcars, offer a number of benefits that contribute to more sustainable and convenient modes of transportation in local communities.
An eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles, NEVs produce zero emissions, help reduce air pollution and contribute to improved air quality.
Their compact size and low operating speed make them ideal for navigating confined spaces and busy streets, helping to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists on the road.
In addition to the environmental benefits, NEVs have lower operating and maintenance costs, resulting in significant savings for owners. The quiet operation also helps to reduce noise pollution.
Although NEVs are few and far between in the United States, they are a growing segment of the transportation industry. Advances such as solar panels on the roof of these efficient electric vehicles can help drive adoption by reducing the frequency of charging stops.
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