Luxury vehicle brand Genesis has announced the findings of its EV-range extending research using solar power. By harnessing the power of the sun, the electrified G80’s state-of-the-art solar roof can add up to an additional 1,150 km / 715 miles of range a year.

Available as an option, the solar roof panel uses an advanced photovoltaic (PV) material made from silicon, which is used as a conductor to ‘absorb’ sunlight to produce electricity. The innovative use of solar technology allows the electrified G80’s WLTP 323-mile range to be extended even further. Based on an average of just under six hours of daylight, this addition can add around 0.7 kWh of energy which translates to an extra 3km / 1.8 miles of range a day, or 1,150 km / 715 miles over the course of a year – saving customers both money and time.

Due to the efficiency of the solar roof being subject to external conditions, range will be lower in countries with fewer hours of sunlight and similarly range will be higher for those who park their cars outside and/or drive more during the day.

The solar roof panels on the Electrified G80 use high-performance cells with high charging efficiency. The panels have a power of approximately 204W and when exposed to the sun in good sunlight will produce 210W of electricity, the equivalent of two 100-watt bulbs or 11 household LED fluorescent lamps (18W each). The solar roof is also able to charge Electrified G80’s low voltage 12V battery, providing additional power for comfort features such as the air conditioning.

The Electrified G80 uses recycled materials in the headlining and sun visors that feature fabrics made in part with recycled PET and nylon yarn. 

Genesis will introduce three electric vehicles in 2022 and, from 2025, all-new Genesis vehicles will be pure electric as part of the brand’s vision for a sustainable future. Genesis will also pursue a goal to become carbon net zero by 2035.