While the widespread adoption of fully solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs) may still be years away, GoSun’s EV Solar Charger represents a significant advancement in this direction.
This lightweight, “bolt-on” accessory is designed to be compatible with any EV equipped with a roof rack. Once deployed, the 1200W unit has the potential to generate enough clean energy to provide up to 30 miles of solar-powered driving per day, meeting the majority of daily mileage requirements for most US drivers.
Harnessing Solar Energy for Clean Transportation
Using solar energy to charge your EV is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to power your vehicle.
However, without a home solar and battery system, which requires a substantial investment in both homeownership and equipment, solar charging has been difficult to achieve.
GoSun’s EV Solar Charger aims to simplify this process, making solar charging as easy as adding an aftermarket accessory to your roof rack.
GoSun EV Solar Charger: Features and Benefits
Weighing in at 70 pounds (approximately 32 kg), the EV Solar Charger can be installed on a vehicle in just 20 minutes, according to GoSun.
The unit’s sleek design prioritizes aerodynamics, minimizing the impact on the vehicle’s range. GoSun also asserts that it’s robust enough to withstand driving speeds up to 100 MPH and wind speeds of up to 30 MPH when deployed.
As an added bonus, when the solar array is extended over the vehicle, it provides partial shade, helping to keep the interior cooler during sun exposure.
Price and Potential Benefits
The anticipated full price for the EV Solar Charger is around $3,000. However, GoSun is currently offering a refundable $100 deposit to secure “early bird” pricing, though the specific details of this pricing have not been released.
While $3,000 could cover a considerable amount of EV charging, the benefits of a roof rack solar charger extend beyond mere cost savings.
It offers the convenience of having your vehicle charged at work without plugging in, provides solar power for off-grid camping, and enables both EV charging and home power in emergencies. Ultimately, it allows for greater energy autonomy and independence.