Can solar electric vehicles disrupt mobility? A critical literature review

Electro-mobility plays a key role to achieve climate neutrality. Electric vehicles, partially powered by vehicle-integrated photovoltaics, are now emerging in the market. This study reviewed more than 270 articles on solar electric vehicles. Eight main topics were identified: solar races, vehicle design, powertrain systems, photovoltaic systems, system integration, control strategies, performance estimations and data, and market and environmental assessments. From 1985 to today the number of articles on solar electric vehicles published each year has grown from below two to above twenty-five. While the first years were largely dominated by articles on solar racing, the topics diversified from 2010 onwards. Now, articles on vehicle design, performance estimations, photovoltaics, and control systems constitute the majority of articles. The topic market and environmental assessments of solar electric vehicles emerged in 2010 and has increased its share rapidly. This review highlights underexplored aspects that should be studied and further developed, for example the durability and robustness of photovoltaic modules under frequent vibration and mechanical shocks during vehicle operation or fusing the photovoltaic control systems with the vehicle controllers. Advancements on performance and cost reduction are needed, as well as standardisation and certification protocols. It is concluded that full solar electric vehicles are not yet viable for mainstream market applications. Niche applications and electric cars with photovoltaic roofs as well as delivery vehicles with photovoltaic modules are more likely options for now. For many vehicle duty profiles charging with stationary photovoltaics may be a better option than solar electric vehicles.