BMW tasked students with creating an electric vehicle that produces more energy than it consumes. They equipped it with 1,700 solar panels, and it functions successfully.

      Summary: Clemson University students developed the Luminetta for BMW, a 1,212-pound solar electric vehicle featuring 1,700 cells that generates a daily range of 31 miles, making it energy-positive for a 12-mile commute. This project, known as Deep Orange 17, took two years to create a working prototype, inspired by a box fish design to maximize solar collecting surface area. The vehicle captures energy while parked, driving, and in traffic, and its solar panels can also gather energy in shaded areas. Although the Luminetta is not intended for sale, it serves as a proof of concept demonstrating that energy-positive driving is achievable with lightweight construction and short commutes. The vehicle will be showcased at CES 2027 in Las Vegas, highlighting the potential for solar integration to enhance range in lightweight vehicles, despite the challenges in bringing solar-powered cars to market.