Abstract:

Designing with photovoltaics (PV) is the core focus of this paper which presents the results of a design study on conceptual PV applications for electric mobility systems. This is relevant for new product development because PV technology can contribute to improved features of electric mobility systems regarding CO2 emissions reduction, product aesthetics, and user experiences. Design studies are multidisciplinary; therefore, technical, user, regulatory, and aesthetic aspects are covered in this case. Eleven conceptual designs were developed in 2019 using a design project executed at the University of Twente, encompassing solutions for PV-powered charging of electric vehicles, vehicle-integrated PV products, and other applications. The concepts focus on various modes of transport beyond passenger cars, such as public transportation, electric bicycles, and utility vehicles. In some cases, they apply alternative charging technologies such as battery swapping and induction charging in their design. This paper presents four conceptual designs as case studies, showing their multidisciplinary focus and parts of the design process behind their development. An evaluation of these conceptual designs revealed several design challenges that need to be addressed in their development, including the limited space available for integrating PV cells, the technical limitations posed by some of the proposed charging methods, and the effective visual communication of the concept's intended function.