Solar paint could be game changer in EV charging

John Maytham is joined by Professor Tapas Mallick of the Solar Energy Research Group at Exeter University.

Listen below.

It sounds like something straight out of a future-world movie; the stuff of a sci-fi writer's imagination.

Carmaker Mercedes-Benz has revealed a revolutionary solar-powered car paint that could change the way we think about alternatively powered vehicles.

The paint is one of several innovations explored by the German manufacturer and undergoing feasibility testing.

Mercedes claims that vehicles coated in the paint could gain around 30 kilometres of range purely from sunlight.

But how does it work?

Mallick says it's very simple.

"Essentially, this paint is a replacement of what is called the semi-conductor, it works exactly the same way as a solar panel."

- Prof Tapas Mallick, Solar Energy Research Group - Exeter University

"It has tiny little materials inside it and they absorb the sunlight."

- Prof Tapas Mallick, Solar Energy Research Group - Exeter University

If you like the idea of a solar-paint-powered car, you'll have to pump the brakes on that idea for now.

Mercedes is only looking at putting the paint-powered cars to market in around 15 years.

Despite the timeframe, Mallick says the idea certainly shows promise, especially in South Africa.

"If you have got five to six square meters of roof area in the car, in South Africa, that can easily generate what Mercedes is claiming."

- Prof Tapas Mallick, Solar Energy Research Group - Exeter University

But, he adds, there are some challenges too.

"The major challenge... is longevity."

- Prof Tapas Mallick, Solar Energy Research Group - Exeter University

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.

Solar paint could be game changer in EV charging - Mercedes