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Run your electric vehicle from solar | Masters of Motion

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How to run your electric vehicle from solar

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Resource Highlights

Here we’re taking a look at how practical it is to run an EV using your solar panels.

As Matt, our Delphi expert explains in this video, running an EV from solar is possible (depending on the size and power of your solar array), although it’s much easier during the summer. Watch this video to learn:

Some basic calculations to show you how much energy you need to charge your vehicle effectively
The reason why solar is not 100% efficient as an energy source
Matt’s personal experience of running an EV from solar

Is solar better for the environment when I’m charging my EV?

Yes, is the short answer. That’s because you’re guaranteeing that the energy you’re using is coming from a renewable source – which is something you can’t always be sure of if you’re drawing electricity from the grid.

Is extra equipment needed for solar charging?

Yes. You can only charge an EV with solar panels if you've got the right setup. That means investing in a solar PV (photovoltaic) system if you don’t already have one, a solar compatible EV charger and, as an option, a solar battery which will mean you can charge your vehicle at night.

How long does it take to charge an EV with a standard solar setup?

A typical domestic solar PV system can generate between 1 and 4 kilowatts of power (kWp). This is enough to fully charge an EV with a battery capacity of 40 kWh in slightly more than eight hours.