FAW Hongqi Integrates Perovskite Solar Panoramic Sunroof on EHS7 SUV Prototype
Chinese luxury automaker FAW Hongqi has integrated a flexible perovskite photovoltaic sunroof prototype onto its Hongqi EHS7 electric SUV, generating up to 400 kilowatt-hours of electrical energy annually.
- 300W
- 400 kWh
- 80 km
- 253 kW
What Happened
The engineering prototype embeds thin-film photovoltaic elements directly into the vehicle's panoramic glass roof, delivering 300 watts of real-time power output. Over a full operating year, the system is engineered to generate 400 kilowatt-hours of electricity, with future development targeting up to 80 kilometers of daily battery electric range replenishment.
300W
Real-time generation on EHS7 testbed
400 kWh
Perovskite thin-film solar technology
Hongqi's research team selected calcium titanium oxide perovskite structures over conventional crystalline silicon due to their mechanical flexibility, lower production cost, and high photoelectric conversion efficiency. The development process addressed material sensitivities to moisture, oxygen exposure, ultraviolet radiation, and curved glass geometries.
- Vehicle dimensions measure 4,925 mm length, 1,950 mm width, and 1,680 mm height
- Single electric powertrain delivers peak output of 253 kW (339 hp)
- WLTP pure electric range certified at 475 kilometers
- Marketed in China under the domestic Tiangong 08 model designation
Why this matters
Replacing traditional crystalline silicon with thin-film perovskite elements allows solar integration across curved automotive glass while minimizing weight. The auxiliary energy generation can provide supplemental range for electric vehicles in sunny conditions.
Terms in This Story
- Perovskite
- A calcium titanium oxide mineral crystal structure used in thin-film solar cells to achieve high light absorption and mechanical flexibility.
- WLTP
- Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, an international standard for measuring exhaust emissions and pure electric vehicle range.
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