Webasto has introduced its EcoPeak system — a vehicle-integrated PV solution designed to generate 350 kWh of electricity annually and reduce roof weight by 40%. This innovative vehicle-integrated PV system features solar panels on the rear window and roof.
EcoPeak System
Webasto — a leading developer of vehicle-integrated PV (VIPV) solutions and a well-known automotive industry supplier — has introduced its latest innovation in solar car roof technology. The new system, known as EcoPeak, has been designed to generate up to 350 kWh of electricity annually while also being 40% lighter than conventional roof systems.
The EcoPeak system features an innovative design that integrates photovoltaic (PV) panels into the rear window and roof area of a vehicle. These panels are made up of triangle-shaped silicon solar cells arranged in a honeycomb matrix.
The unique design increases the surface area, allowing for more efficient energy production. According to Webasto, this could extend a vehicle’s range by up to 2,500 km annually, depending on the vehicle type and local climate conditions.
Maximilian Hofbeck, Webasto’s director of product management and sustainability, shared insights on the design process. “The solar cell design and panel design were done internally by our R&D department. We also explored potential suppliers for a future hardware buildup of this concept,” Hofbeck said.
Vehicle-Integrated PV for Sustainability and Aesthetics
Vehicle-Integrated PV
The EcoPeak concept offers flexibility for automotive manufacturers to prioritize either sustainability, aesthetics, or a combination of both. The design allows for solar cells to be placed across the entire surface of the roof and rear window to maximize energy efficiency.
Alternatively, fewer solar cells can be used, thereby allowing for more space and creating a stylish design that provides comfort or natural light in the vehicle’s cabin. This flexibility gives automakers the option to customize based on the specific needs of their customers.
Webasto has already demonstrated the potential of vehicle-integrated PV systems with past projects such as the Fisker Ocean electric sport utility vehicle (SUV). The Fisker Ocean features a 300 W solar sunroof — also developed by Webasto — that has become a highlight of the vehicle’s design.
“The large openable solar roof from Webasto is a real eye-catcher and makes sustainability perceptible,” said Jan Henning Mehlfeldt, board member at Webasto and responsible for the company’s global automotive roof business.
EcoPeak’s Lightweight and Sustainable Materials
One of the standout features of the EcoPeak system is its use of polycarbonate material instead of aluminum. The polycarbonate used in the EcoPeak roof is sourced from biomass-balanced and recycled materials, reducing the system’s weight by up to 40%.
According to Webasto, this makes the roof system significantly lighter, while still maintaining durability and performance. The use of recycled and biomass-balanced materials aligns with Webasto’s focus on sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
The European Chemical Industry Council has highlighted the importance of the biomass balance method. This technique — developed by BASF — uses bio-naphtha or biogas derived from organic waste or vegetable oils to partially replace fossil resources in the production of chemicals.
A Future Focus on Sustainable Vehicle-Integrated PV Solutions
Webasto’s EcoPeak concept is not just an experimental design, but it also represents the company’s broader commitment to sustainable innovation in the automotive industry. Mehlfeldt explained that Webasto is actively working on sustainable alternatives across all its roof systems.
“We are looking closely at the components and sustainable alternatives. We use insights from EcoPeak to offer a wide range of sustainable solutions for customer-specific demands,” Mehlfeldt said.
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular and the demand for eco-friendly technologies rises, Webasto’s vehicle-integrated PV solutions could play a significant role in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
The EcoPeak system also demonstrates the potential for VIPV systems to reduce vehicle dependency on traditional energy sources. By generating renewable energy directly from the vehicle’s surface, drivers could see a reduction in the frequency of charging — particularly for electric vehicles.
Webasto’s EcoPeak concept is a significant step forward in the field of vehicle-integrated PV technology. By offering both improved efficiency and a reduction in weight, the system addresses key concerns for automakers and consumers alike.