Effect of urban shadowing on the potential of solar-powered vehicles

Abstract

Solar-powered vehicles have the potential to reduce CO2 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.