Solar Technology’s Part In Unlocking The Full Potential Of EVs

Ilya Likhov – hi-tech entrepreneur, visionary and CEO of Neosun Energy, a distinguished authority in the field of solar energy.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic surge in the adoption of electric vehicle (EV) vehicles, driven by enhanced battery range, a wider variety of models and superior performance across the board. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales reached record-breaking numbers in 2023, underscoring a fundamental shift in the automotive industry.

Over five years, from 2017 to 2022, EV sales skyrocketed from about 1 million to over 10 million units—a growth curve that significantly outpaced the previous five years, when sales climbed from approximately 100,000 to 1 million units. IEA’s data shows sales hitting nearly 14 million in 2023, and their projections for the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario anticipate that EVs could account for around 65% of all car sales by 2030. This remarkable progress highlights an evolving market where sustainability and innovation are redefining consumer choices.

Challenges Facing The EV Market

EVs require reliable, cost-effective energy. One of the major bottlenecks in the development of electric transport lies in the accessibility of charging infrastructure. This includes constraints on power capacities in many countries worldwide, particularly in Europe.

Developing EV charging stations in densely populated cities is complex due to outdated electrical grids. The infrastructure needed to charge millions of EVs quickly and sustainably would likely overwhelm local grid capacities, and this has even become a point of humor online, with images showing EVs hooked up to diesel generators—an irony that undermines the environmental goals of electric transportation. I saw with my own eyes a Tesla being charged with diesel fuel in California. It’s like vegans sneaking meat.

Traditional oil and gas infrastructure took a century to build. When it comes to transitioning to alternative energy sources, we are still at the very beginning.

Exploring Solar Power Solutions

One of the potential solutions for the EV market lies in increasing the network of solar charging stations and utilizing advanced energy storage systems. Solar panels can enable the construction of charging stations for cars anywhere on the planet, charging electric vehicles directly from the sun.

Of course, solar energy has a drawback—it is only available during the day when the sun is shining. To use this energy at night or during times of higher demand, energy storage systems are required. This adds to the overall cost of the system. On the other hand, despite the increased total cost I just mentioned, the prices of both battery storage and solar equipment have decreased significantly in the last ten years.

For now, solar power is an important contributor, particularly in regions where grid limitations hinder conventional charging infrastructure. Enhanced energy storage technologies may offer a further way forward. These systems can store energy during off-peak hours and release it during peak demand, reducing the load on power grids. I believe this approach can not only help support a more resilient infrastructure but also make it more feasible to deliver consistent, affordable charging.

Unfortunately, current production rates for solar panels and related equipment are not sufficient to match the pace of energy demand growth, let alone fully replace traditional energy generation with alternatives. This is one of our biggest challenges in the solar industry today. It highlights the need for those of us in the industry to seek greater investment in this sector, more manufacturing facilities and increased attention to the issue.

Final Thoughts

In many ways, solar energy is the new oil. Just as the fossil fuel industry once powered the growth of gas-powered vehicles, solar companies can now help drive electric vehicle adoption. By tackling the pressing challenges in EV charging infrastructure, we can help pave the way for a sustainable, electrified future.

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