American students develop an “energy-positive” solar car
Students at Clemson University have unveiled an electric car prototype named Deep Orange 17. This unique vehicle is a research solar-powered car that can generate more energy than it consumes. The team received support from BMW and a Fraunhofer Institute.
At Clemson University in Greenville, South Carolina, 16 students who recently completed their Master of Science degrees in vehicle technology developed the Deep Orange 17 — a two-door coupe nicknamed Luminetta. This somewhat bulky-looking vehicle is what’s known as an “energy-positive electric car,” meaning that according to its creators, it generates more energy on a typical day during urban commuting than it consumes. Developed in collaboration with BMW’s research and development team, this prototype combines solar technology, lightweight construction, and intelligent vehicle control systems.
The Deep Orange 17 is not the first concept vehicle developed by this university located in South Carolina. Through its “Deep Orange” program, various classes of students at Clemson University have already designed and built a number of functional prototypes. BMW has been a partner in this program for some time now.
The development of the current model began in the fall of 2024. The key energy component of the 17er are solar cells that generate electricity while parked and in use. “Solar energy serves not only as an additional feature but is a core part of the vehicle’s power strategy,” emphasizes the team. Specifically, more than 1,700 photovoltaic cells were integrated directly into the vehicle’s exterior surfaces. They were manufactured in collaboration with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. The system works even in shade and continuously charges the vehicle’s energy storage using sunlight, according to the team. The cells are protected by a durable outer film.
To assess performance under real-world conditions, the students additionally investigated environmental factors and solar radiation in Greenville (South Carolina), Frankfurt (Germany), Madrid (Spain), and Mumbai (India). With an assumed daily commuting distance of 12 miles (approximately 20 kilometers), the vehicle generates enough excess solar energy at all four locations to provide an additional range of about 31 miles (roughly 50 kilometers), according to the researchers.
The university does not provide details about the powertrain itself, but emphasizes that aerodynamics and lightweight design also play a significant role in creating an “energy-positive” structure. The prototype weighs only about 550 kilograms—roughly one quarter of that of regular production vehicles—and its aerodynamic design is “inspired by the characteristics of the manta ray.”
Research on this prototype will now continue at the International Center for Automotive Research at Clemson University, where it is intended to serve as a platform for further innovations in sustainable mobility. The Deep Orange 17 is also expected to be displayed at CES 2027 in Las Vegas.
news.clemson.edu via auto-motor-und-sport.de, interestingengineering.com, insideevs.com