Clean Motion Advances Solar EV Research Across Five Nations
Solar energy is becoming a transformative force in the global transportation sector. As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, innovators are looking for ways to make these systems even more sustainable. One of the most promising solutions is solar-powered mobility—an emerging trend that merges clean energy with electric transport. Clean Motion AB, a Swedish EV company, has joined a groundbreaking international research project to assess the viability and efficiency of solar-charged EVs in real-world conditions. Supported by the Swedish Energy Agency, this initiative will offer invaluable insights into energy-autonomous vehicles and their potential to revolutionize green mobility.
Unique Research Project Powered by Clean Motion’s EVIG
Clean Motion received SEK 376,200 in funding to participate in a research study titled Energy-Autonomous Vehicles – Analysis of Operational Performance and User Experiences of Solar-Charged Electric Vehicles. This study, running from 2025 to 2027, is being conducted in partnership with the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI). The core of the project is Clean Motion’s EVIG vehicle—an ultra-light electric model integrated with efficient solar panels. Unlike typical EVs, EVIG is already in commercial use across five climate-diverse countries: Sweden, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
Testing Solar Mobility in Real Urban Environments
By operating EVIG in various geographical settings, the research aims to collect real-time technical data and user feedback. This multi-country approach ensures that the analysis captures how factors like sunlight availability, weather patterns, and road infrastructure influence the vehicle’s performance. From city driving in Stockholm to sun-drenched routes in Riyadh, the goal is to quantify how solar energy can extend range, reduce grid reliance, and improve cost-efficiency for EV users.
Data-Driven Innovation for Sustainable Mobility
Clean Motion’s Chief Technology Officer, William Collings, emphasized that the project is a rare opportunity to measure solar efficiency at scale. Thanks to EVIG’s low energy consumption, its solar panels provide genuine range extension—not just a symbolic feature. Similarly, VTI researcher Harrison John Bhatti noted that while energy-autonomous vehicles can reduce emissions and lower operating costs, success depends heavily on climate, user behavior, and system design.
Paving the Way for Large-Scale Solar EV Deployment
Funded under Sweden’s FFI Zero Emissions program, the project supports long-term climate goals while strengthening Clean Motion’s position as a leader in clean vehicle innovation. It marks a significant step toward mass-market adoption of solar-powered electric vehicles. As cities and countries seek greener transportation options, insights from this study will help shape smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.
