Solar Panel Tonneau Cover

[Firestop]

Just get two, the parallel kit, a ground neutral bond adapter and you can L2 charge ?. Actually kidding aside the EcoFlow seems like a decent package if your trying to go gas free.
I think a dual fuel 240v inverter generator at less than one of the EcoFlow units is the better emergency gas can.

So, if you go the generator/inverter route….

Using the mobile charger on 240V (L2): 240V x 30A x .95 efficiency = ~6.8kw. -> about 15 miles per hour

At ~$900-1,000, plus fuel

(https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champio...or-with-CO-Shield-Technology-100592/308173035

https://www.costco.com/firman-7500w-running--9400w-peak-tri-fuel-generator.product.100840185.html),

that is one expensive gas can…….unless you really need to go an extra 15 miles……

Sponsored

 

[Avocadodude]

So, if you go the generator/inverter route….

Using the mobile charger on 240V (L2): 240V x 30A x .95 efficiency = ~6.8kw. -> about 15 miles per hour

At ~$900-1,000, plus fuel

(https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champio...or-with-CO-Shield-Technology-100592/308173035

https://www.costco.com/firman-7500w-running--9400w-peak-tri-fuel-generator.product.100840185.html),

that is one expensive gas can…….unless you really need to go an extra 15 miles……

But compared to the solar or battery options seems like a bargain. The solar panel option at 3.2 miles per 8 hours of sunlight makes me feel like I'd be pressing the "Service" button on Ford pass if I really ran

So, if you go the generator/inverter route….

Using the mobile charger on 240V (L2): 240V x 30A x .95 efficiency = ~6.8kw. -> about 15 miles per hour

At ~$900-1,000, plus fuel

(https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champio...or-with-CO-Shield-Technology-100592/308173035

https://www.costco.com/firman-7500w-running--9400w-peak-tri-fuel-generator.product.100840185.html),

that is one expensive gas can…….unless you really need to go an extra 15 miles……

I'd rather invest in another smaller Domestic fridge for the frunk and just enjoy some down time at the DCFC site ?

 

[ALAN BORER]

Looks like its on a Tundra. Article says its for all makes, and could be a range extender for electric trucks. I would be curious as to how long it takes to charge the 2kW battery. One thing I see from this is that you're on the verge of the truck being too fragile to use for truck things. How much is it going to cost to repair or replace a panel or section when someone drops a hammer on it?

True

 

[geraulx]

The idea of a solar panel tonneau cover for electric vehicles is intriguing. It has the potential to extend the range of electric vehicles by harnessing solar energy, making them even more environmentally friendly and practical. However, there are critical factors to consider. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of such a system will be paramount; the panels must generate enough power to justify the investment. Durability is also essential to ensure the panels can withstand weather conditions and potential damage.

 

[Lytning]

My Lightning will pay for itself in 50 or 60 years with fuel savings. The solar charger would likely add another 10 years or so for payback. One definitely needs to have a long term view of these "investments".

 

[nldoty]

The idea of a solar panel tonneau cover for electric vehicles is intriguing. It has the potential to extend the range of electric vehicles by harnessing solar energy, making them even more environmentally friendly and practical. However, there are critical factors to consider. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of such a system will be paramount; the panels must generate enough power to justify the investment. Durability is also essential to ensure the panels can withstand weather conditions and potential damage.

I ran some calculations off this with a COTS Anker battery pack/inverter and solar panels, and I believe it came out to be around 25 years for the system to pay for itself. So not terribly favorable.

 

[lerthe61]

My Lightning will pay for itself in 50 or 60 years with fuel savings. The solar charger would likely add another 10 years or so for payback. One definitely needs to have a long term view of these "investments".

You are not paying for oil change, transmission is a way simpler and cheaper to replace/service. Added value for using onboard power, so don't have to deal with generators. Theoretically, technology will become more robust, so I am expecting to see fewer recalls - better overall reliability than ICE. That sweet $7500 from Feds is accounted?

 

[Ghosteh]

I had a Prius with the solar roof. Looked very cool, but wasn't practical & Toyota dropped that option.
The panel fed an interior fan, which kept the interior cooler when parked & the car was off. Theoretically, it saved gas because the AC didn't have to run as much when the car was started.
I would think the same idea would work with the Lightning; solar panels help vent or run a heater in the cabin, depending on the weather.

 

[Runaway Tractor]

I would think the same idea would work with the Lightning; solar panels help vent or run a heater in the cabin, depending on the weather.

It would be as useless as it was on the Prius.

Sponsored