# Car solar panels can add range but rarely power everyday journeys

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-biggest-problem-with-trying-to-directly-power-evs-with-solar-roofs/
- Published: 2026-11-01T18:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-01T19:08:07+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2300413/biggest-problem-directly-powering-evs-with-solar-roofs/
- Topics: Gadgets

## Key points

- A typical 400-watt solar roof adds about four miles in ideal conditions.
- More panels can increase vehicle weight and drag.
- Solar charging works best with efficient cars and sunny parking.

## Summary

Solar roofs can add some driving range to electric vehicles, but a conventional car’s roof is too small to generate enough electricity to power most journeys. Adding panels can also increase weight and drag, so manufacturers are exploring ways to collect more sunlight while keeping vehicles efficient.

The EPA estimates a median 2025 EV uses 390 watt-hours per mile. A 400-watt roof array producing its rated output for four hours would generate 1.6 kilowatt-hours before charging losses, enough for about four miles in favourable conditions. Nissan’s prototype extender increases its output from 300 to 500 watts when parked, while Aptera is targeting 100 watt-hours per mile; a test measured 4.23 kilowatt-hours collected by its prototype in July. Aptera aims to start building its first 40 production vehicles by the end of 2026, with deliveries expected in early 2027, subject to financing and other conditions.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.