Urban solar potential for vehicle integrated photovoltaics

Integrating solar photovoltaics in electric vehicles can reduce operating costs and extend the driving range. It is particularly appropriate for urban mobility due to the relatively short typical daily travels of urban vehicles. However, shadowing cast by buildings will reduce the solar irradiation falling on the vehicle, reducing its PV generation. This study assesses the solar potential of onboard solar for roads and urban parking using data in a geographical information system for the case study of Lisbon. Results show that annual losses due to shadowing may reach 25% for roads and over 50% for urban parking spaces. Nevertheless, despite these losses, the annual solar extended range for onboard solar vehicles is between 10 and 18 km/day/kWp, thus significantly reducing charging needs.