Restricted accessReview articleFirst published online 2026
A comprehensive review of technological challenges navigating the future of electric vehicles and the potential of solar assistance for sustainable urban mobility
Electric vehicles are identified as a key technology for reducing urban air pollution. Large battery packs, however, are making these cars seem more costly, which prevents their widespread use. The main factor affecting the economic feasibility of electric vehicles is the battery pack’s energy capacity. A sustainable method of increasing energy efficiency and lowering reliance on traditional charging infrastructure is to integrate solar power. The integration of solar photovoltaic modules into electric vehicles augment the energy stored in the battery pack by capturing sunlight. Instead of using bulky battery packs, the integration of flexible photovoltaic panels can reduce battery size, weight, and cost. This approach also reduces carbon emissions, encourages the use of renewable energy, and increases driving range without compromising performance. Furthermore, issues like the small vehicle surface area and the high initial cost of solar components are being addressed by recent developments in photovoltaic efficiency and lightweight materials. In order to support the future of electric mobility, this paper proposes potential solutions and provides a thorough review on the issues facing by electric vehicles in the current market. Additionally, it offers a thorough overview of solar photovoltaic technologies that can be incorporated into electric cars. By analyzing region specific solar power availability and optimizing energy requirements based on daily travel distances, this paper proposes a viable urban transportation solution through the integration of flexible solar modules, enhancing driving range while reducing battery pack size and overall cost.
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