Geographical Distribution of Solar Urban Potential for Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics

Solar-powered electric vehicles can accelerate the transition to electric mobility, reducing charging needs and operating costs. In the urban environment, however, their potential is somewhat reduced by shadowing from neighbouring buildings. Here we estimate the irradiation losses and solar extended driving range for anywhere on the globe using an empirical model based on numerical simulation of solar radiation losses in simplified urban layouts. Modelling shows solar extended driving ranges above 20-30 km/day/kWp for a wide range of geographies, exceeding 40 km/day/kWp for most of the USA, China, Australia, parts of Africa and South America. The potential of parked vehicles is similar to that of driving vehicles for mid and high latitudes. These results highlight that a significant fraction of daily urban commuting can be powered by vehicle integrated photovoltaics.