BMW-Backed Student EV Generates Surplus Energy With 1,700 Solar Cells

The Deep Orange 17, a BMW-backed research project developed by 16 graduate students at Clemson University, is an ultra-light EV coupe that utilizes 1,700 solar cells to generate surplus energy after a typical 12-mile urban commute. Weighing just 1,212 pounds, the vehicle features a multi-material structure combining steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and 3D-printed metal joints, along with regenerative braking, torque distribution, and optimized drivetrain controls to minimize energy consumption. According to Clemson University, the solar system can generate enough surplus electricity to add an average of 31 miles of driving range per day, making it a groundbreaking innovation in the field of solar-powered EVs. The project explores the potential of solar power as a part of an EV’s propulsion strategy, and while it may not be a production-ready vehicle, it demonstrates the technical possibility of gaining more energy than used on a short commute. The Deep Orange 17 was designed to soak up sunlight both when parked and when moving, and its solar panels are capable of generating surplus energy in various environmental conditions, including those in Greenville, South Carolina; Frankfurt, Germany; Madrid, Spain; and Mumbai, India.