BMW has revealed the concept of the electric car Deep Orange 17 solar: it generates more energy than it consumes

BMW, together with engineers from Clemson University, has unveiled the concept electric car Deep Orange 17, named Luminetta. Thanks to the ultralight body weight of 550 kg and 1780 solar cells, the car generates more energy than it consumes while driving.

A team of 16 master students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (USA) directly commissioned by BMW worked on the prototype. The design is based on a frame of high-strength steel, and individual elements are made of aluminum, carbon fiber and metal parts printed on a 3D printer. The weight of 550 kg makes the car about 3-4 times easier and lighter than standard serial electric vehicles.

Technology of solar panels and work in the shadow

The design of the angular body-box is inspired by the shape of the sea fish-body. The built-in solar cells were developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). Special cells are able to capture ultraviolet radiation and efficiently produce current even in conditions of partial shading from urban buildings and trees.

The bright orange color of the body is a special protective film applied over solar cells by laser texturing. It protects fragile electronics from scratches and physical damage.

Simulations and internal equipment

According to the calculations of engineers, for an ordinary city trip of about 20 km, the electric car manages to generate solar energy for another 50 km of mileage. The mathematical model was tested taking into account climate, insolation angle and building density for four cities: Greenville (USA), Frankfurt (Germany), Madrid (Spain) and Mumbai (India). In all cases, the machine confirmed the ability to store net excess energy in the battery.

The cabin has a digital interface that displays real-time telemetry and the balance of the power system. The multimedia complex supports wireless protocols Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The dynamic characteristics and power of the electric motors of BMW and the university do not disclose in principle: the developers said that the speed was secondary, since the main task was to prove the very physical possibility of the existence of “energy positive” transport. A public demonstration of Deep Orange 17 is scheduled for CES 2027.