Clemson University students, with support from BMW, have created the unusual Deep Orange 17 EV, which can recharge using solar power. Nicknamed Luminetta, the prototype features 1,700 photovoltaic cells integrated directly into its body.
The car's key feature is that it not only consumes energy but can actually generate more than it uses. Calculations show that with an average daily drive of 12 to 15 miles, the solar panels can generate enough additional energy for 31 miles of driving. Under favorable conditions, the vehicle could therefore travel up to 43 miles per day.
Researchers modeled these figures for four cities with different climates: Greenville, South Carolina; Frankfurt, Germany; Madrid, Spain; and Mumbai, India.
The secret to its efficiency is its low weight. The prototype weighs just 1,213 pounds, several times less than most production EVs. This was achieved through a combination of materials, including a steel frame, aluminum components, carbon fiber, and 3D-printed metal parts.
The body shape was inspired by the boxfish, which helps reduce aerodynamic drag. Regenerative braking and an intelligent torque-distribution system provide additional energy savings.
The solar panels, developed in collaboration with Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, continue generating power even when partially shaded. This is particularly important in cities, where vehicles are constantly exposed to shadows from buildings, trees, and other objects.
Inside, the car features an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a dedicated interface that displays real-time data on the vehicle's energy system.
For now, the Deep Orange 17 will remain at Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research, where it will serve as a platform for further development. The EV will make its debut at CES 2027 in Las Vegas.