Improved performance of a battery powered electric car, using photovoltaic cells

One of the major problems for the massive applicability of electric vehicles (EVs) is the scarce capacity of conventional electrical energy storage systems. Although this constraint has been overcome in many cases using advanced technologies such as fuel cells and high-capacity batteries, it is still difficult to develop an economically viable and socially acceptable EV for massive use. In this context, solar energy is not a practical solution for satisfying this lack of energy. However, if a particular situation is considered, in which a small-sized, high-efficiency EV operates at low duty cycles in a sunny, predictable environment, solar power can become a solution for reducing transport costs. This paper deals with the reach of this approach.