SolarMoves EU Research Project: Study Highlights Major Potential for Vehicle-Integrated Solar Power and Reduced Strain on Power Grids
Freiburg – The transition to electric mobility in the transport sector is continuing to gain momentum through new technological approaches. Alongside improvements in battery efficiency and charging infrastructure, systems that generate energy directly on vehicles are increasingly coming into focus. A new European study now demonstrates the significant potential of vehicle-integrated solar technology.
Vehicles Generate Their Own Electricity – Up to 80 Percent of Energy Demand Generated
A key finding of the study is that vehicles can cover a relevant share of their own energy demand. In Central Europe, passenger cars could generate up to 55 percent of their annual energy demand through integrated solar modules under optimal conditions, while in Southern Europe the figure could reach up to 80 percent. The systems are based on solar modules installed on roofs, hoods, or side surfaces that generate electricity directly during operation.
The researchers analyzed data from 23 vehicle types and evaluated around 1.3 million kilometers of real driving data. In addition to passenger cars, the study also examined light commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks.
Particularly High Benefits in the Logistics Sector
The researchers identified especially strong potential in freight transport. Delivery vans, trucks, and trailers provide large usable surface areas while also having substantial energy demand for cooling, heating, and auxiliary systems. In electric trucks, this could increase driving range by up to 15 percent.
For truck trailers, electricity yields of up to 55 kilowatt-hours per day were recorded during summer months, rising to as much as 110 kilowatt-hours when side surfaces were additionally utilized. This could enable cooling or hydraulic systems, for example, to operate at least partially emissions-free.
The study also identified benefits for diesel-powered trucks: lower energy demand for climate control and auxiliary systems can reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.
Relief for Power Grids and Faster Return on Investment
In addition to the direct vehicle-related effects, the research team also sees systemic benefits. If all new vehicles sold in Europe between 2024 and 2030 were equipped with VIPV systems, electricity demand from the grid could decline by around 15.6 billion kilowatt-hours in 2030. This would correspond roughly to the annual electricity generation of more than 2,000 onshore wind turbines.
The researchers also emphasize that investments could, depending on the application, pay for themselves in less than two years — particularly in commercial operations.
Recommendations for Regulation and Market Integration
The consortium recommends giving greater regulatory consideration to vehicle-integrated photovoltaics in the future. This includes integration into the globally harmonized WLTP testing procedure, tax incentives, and requirements for solar-ready transport infrastructure. In addition, VIPV should be incorporated into European climate protection and renewable energy directives in order to accelerate market adoption.
About the “SolarMoves” Pilot Project
The European pilot project “SolarMoves” is a research consortium involving TNO, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Sono Motors, IM Efficiency, and Lightyear. The project aims to investigate the technical and practical potential of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) in the European transport sector. Commissioned by the European Commission, the project combines vehicle data, real driving profiles, and meteorological satellite data to assess the energy yields and system impacts of solar power in vehicle operation.
Source: IWR Online, 22 May 2026
