Mercedes-Benz Drives Innovation with Solar Paint and Advanced Braking Systems
Mercedes-Benz is making significant strides in the future of mobility, with an annual research and development budget of €7-8 billion. As the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, Mercedes is addressing challenges like limited range and brake system inefficiencies. Two groundbreaking innovations—the introduction of solar paint and a new braking system—highlight the company’s commitment to solving these issues.
Solar Paint: Extending Range with Sunlight
One of the biggest concerns for EV owners is range. Frequent charging stops can deter potential buyers, especially for long-distance travel. To tackle this, Mercedes has developed an innovative “solar paint” technology that converts sunlight into electricity.
The solar paint includes a photovoltaic layer beneath a colored nanocoating. This nanocoating allows up to 94% of sunlight to pass through, enabling solar cells to achieve 20% efficiency, comparable to traditional solar panels.
Under optimal conditions, a mid-sized SUV with approximately 11 square meters of body surface could generate enough solar energy to travel up to 12,000 kilometers per year. The photovoltaic layer, just five micrometers thick and weighing 50 grams per square meter, does not affect the vehicle’s weight or design. The generated electricity can either power the car directly or charge its battery for later use.
Solving Brake Rust and Wear
EVs primarily rely on regenerative braking, which recovers energy while slowing down, reducing the use of traditional brakes by up to 98%. However, this infrequent use can lead to rusting and unpredictable wear of mechanical brakes.
To address this, Mercedes has developed a new braking system specifically for EVs. The system connects directly to the electric motor using a clutch mechanism. It incorporates water-cooled brake discs in a closed system, capturing brake dust in a container and reducing environmental harm. The water cooling prevents overheating during heavy use.
This advanced braking system is designed to last up to 300,000 kilometers or 15 years without requiring maintenance. It lowers operational costs for EV owners and allows for the use of closed rims, which reduce air resistance and may further improve vehicle range.
Virtual Worlds: Augmented Reality in Cars
Mercedes is also venturing into augmented reality (AR) to enhance the driving and passenger experience. With AR glasses, passengers could see route information or details about nearby businesses projected directly into their view. For entertainment, the passenger seat could transform into a virtual cinema chair at the press of a button.
AR technology could also revolutionize the car-buying experience. Customers could virtually explore vehicles at full scale, simulating color changes, interior designs, and even opening doors in real-time. This could be done in stores or from home using devices like Apple’s Vision Pro.
The Road Ahead for Electric Vehicles
While Mercedes has not disclosed when these technologies will enter production, the solar paint and advanced braking system demonstrate the company’s dedication to innovation. These solutions could feature prominently in vehicles based on Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), which represents the future of the company’s EV lineup.
Mercedes-Benz is not only tackling today’s challenges but also shaping the future of mobility. With its cutting-edge research, the company is poised to redefine what’s possible in the world of electric vehicles.