Fraunhofer ISE, in collaboration with the SolarMoves project, is advancing the integration of solar cells into vehicles across Central and Southern Europe, aimed at reducing pressure on power grids and decarbonizing the transportation sector. Companies such as Sono Motors and Lightyear are developing vehicles capable of generating 55-80% of their energy needs through Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics. Notably, the logistics sector stands to gain significant benefits from solar panel integration on vehicles with large roof spaces, which can lead to reduced fuel consumption and lower operating costs. While solar modules can extend the range of electric trucks by up to 15%, these efficiencies may not apply universally across all vehicle types.
In May 2026, China reported a 39% decline in internal combustion engine vehicle sales, while electric vehicles captured a record market share of 63%, with battery electric vehicles projected to exceed 40% market share by 2026. Domestic brands are leading the electric vehicle market, holding an 81% share, with seven of the top ten best-selling models being purely electric. The growth trajectory of domestic brands like Leapmotor, Tesla, and Geely illustrates a significant shift towards electric vehicle technology, albeit amidst challenges faced by established manufacturers. Next steps include ongoing monitoring of market trends and the potential expansion of solar technology in the transportation sector.
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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Places mentioned in this update: Central and Southern Europe, China