2020 Vision: Audi Electric Vehicles Go Solar

Alta, a maker of thin-film photovoltaic cells, announced that Audi will be integrating Alta solar panels into the panoramic glass roofs of its new line of electric vehicles. Prototypes are expected by the end of 2017; solar-assisted Audis should roll out to dealerships by 2020.

Staying Cool in the Sun (or Warm in the Chill)
The first version of Audi's solar-assisted EVs will incorporate the PV cells into most of the roof area and use the solar-generated electricity to power the air-conditioning in the summer and the heated seats in the winter. While the batteries won't be charged by the solar roof, using PV to power some accessories will extend the car's range by easing the load on the batteries. Audi is integrating solar one step at a time - first to power accessories and later to help charge the battery bank.

Ballpark Estimates
Alta's thin-film Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) photovoltaics are among the most productive in the industry, with efficiencies as high as 28.8% for single-junction cells and 31.6% for dual-junction cells. They're semi-transparent, making them perfect for sunroof applications.