The increasing weight of electric and hybrid vehicles, mainly due to larger batteries, has become a significant challenge for automakers.
With traditional methods unable to cut weight, improving individual components is key.
Weighing 38% Less
Enter Webasto, a major supplier in the automotive industry, best known for its heating systems in camper vehicles. The company has now introduced an innovative solar roof designed to lighten the load and increase vehicle efficiency.
The solar roof, named "Ecopeak," is a game changer.
Weighing 38% less than conventional aluminum roofs, it significantly reduces overall vehicle weight.
The secret lies in its construction — nearly 80% of the materials used are recycled and sustainable, resulting in a polycarbonate material that balances biomass and plastics while reducing energy consumption during production.
Designed for Hybrids
Despite its lighter weight, the Ecopeak roof doesn't sacrifice durability. It's a single piece of glass that extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle, including the back window, and is embedded with solar cells.
These cells can generate up to 350 kWh of electricity per year, depending on weather conditions and vehicle type.
For electric cars, this translates to around 2,500 kilometers (about 1,500 miles) of additional free driving range annually. But the benefits don't stop there.
The solar roof is also designed for hybrids and traditional gas-powered vehicles, where the generated energy powers comfort features like automatic climate control, infotainment systems, and interior and exterior lighting.
Webasto is also exploring sustainable options for vehicle interiors, including retractable sunshades made from recycled PET bottles.
