Rivian Solar Charging

[R1Thor]

Don't want to hijack what is actually a quite informative thread, but did want to push back on the notion that vehicle-mounted solar charging is impractical at present technology levels. That's not universally true, though you need to temper expectations somewhat as the range gains from using existing technology solar panels with the batteries presently available are going to be relatively modest.

There is actually one vehicle that may soon (emphasis on both the "may" and "soon") be available that appears to have a reasonably effective solar array, the Aptera. The company claims that their vehicle can get up to 40 miles of extended range via solar charging, and their claim seems fairly plausible. The Aptera is a three-wheeled, two seater however, so not appealing to everyone. Thanfully, it's not a reincarnation of the late, not-terribly-beloved Reliant Robin in EV form, though both cars use(d) non-metal bodies.

Folks are right to be skeptical however, not so much regarding the claimed added range, more that the Aptera will actually make it to market. Aptera has tried and failed before, and they are not the best capitalized advent car company. Aptera appears to have gotten much, if not the majority of their capital via crowd funding, and their numbers are quite modest, totaling only in the eight figure range. Still, their vehicle is innovative, very eco-friendly and could be a great solution for many who commute solo.

In the interest of full disclosure, I need to own up to having a reservation for an Aptera. The amount at risk is however, laughably small: the nominal cost for a reservation is $100, but you usually can get in through a special offer at $70.

Now that I'm old, I was considering getting a Ural two-wheel drive 3 wheeler to replace the other motorcycles in my stable (though nothing will make me part with my '78 Ducati Darmah.) The Ural would still allow me to have fun and more importantly, to take my two Welshies along in the sidecar. The Aptera can mostly take the place of the Ural however, and though it may not have the same fun-factor, it will be a pretty big plus to not need raingear.

Yes, but the Aptera is Engineered around efficiency. It's VERY light and aerodynamic. THAT's how you're getting 40 miles of range via solar charging. It's not charging a lot, as it needs very little power to move (little when compared to a Rivian).

So, everyone's points ARE valid. They're not wrong about the practicality of *charging an R1T or R1S* using portable solar. Which is the entirety of what this thread is about.

Insofar as if you owned an Aptera and could do V2V charging, it WOULD NOT provide any significant charge to Rivian's battery packs.

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[NY_Rob]

With the current state of the art low efficiency solar panels we have available, you need to compensate with a super high efficient EV... and sadly that is where Rivian comes in almost dead last among all EV's made.
The Aptera probably gets 10+ miles/kWh whereas our 7K lb Rivian's only manage to get 2 miles/kWh so adding 1kWh via onboard solar will get you 10 miles range in the Aptera, you'll only add 2 miles to the Rivian.

I do believe that adding rooftop solar to our Rivian's as in the Fisker Ocean, would be a great way to keep the 12V system topped up which in theory would help lower vampire drain from the big battery pack.

 

[Count Orlok]

how long do you have to collect electrons? You could get the yoshino 4000 and solar panels (or similar solar "generator") as long as you have plenty of sunshine and time.

 

[ealberton]

@jakeinslc @Florida Panhandler pan

Here is your answer.. It can and has been done. Needs refinement but you can get 27 Miles a day to your truck..

 

[NY_Rob]

^ Fugly.. but it still looks better than the CT

 

[pricedm]

I'm trying to plan a trip to Baja and the only thing I've seen so far are very few destination chargers.

Did you find both the chargers Rivian set up for their Americas tour and the chargers set up by Tesla for their Cybertruck Baja tour?

 

[Rivtony]

Did you find both the chargers Rivian set up for their Americas tour and the chargers set up by Tesla for their Cybertruck Baja tour?

Not sure where to find those.

For my short term plans (from TJ to Ensenada) I can see few destination chargers at hotels only.

 

[jakeinslc]

Forget anemic solar panels, go cold fusion or go home!

Where we're going...we don't need roads.

~Doc Brown.

 

[jakeinslc]

Not going to work. Unless you have a largish solar array charging a large powerbank by day, like an Anker 3800 (or greater), which can take 2400W solar input. Then, charge the truck with the powerbank by night (either 120 or 240V)... AND over multiple days. Then and only then could you get significant charge into the truck.

Bummer. Anyone interested in purchasing a 2022 Forest Green R1T with very, very low miles???

I'm joking...sort of.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Bummer. Anyone interested in purchasing a 2022 Forest Green R1T with very, very low miles???

I'm joking...sort of.

FG was my second choice, but yours is a '22 and mine is a '23, so no. Joking, sort of.

 

[Wilsonos]

I feel like we are all stuck on the solar as the only option. I feel like between solar and Windmills you could really get a good charge to a battery pack in the bed. With that power you could charge while sleeping.

 

[booslim45]

I'm trying to plan a trip to Baja and the only thing I've seen so far are very few destination chargers.

I also want to do a trip to Baja but you are right just a few destination chargers. I drove down last year in a land rover stopping at every destination charger to check them out. There are some stretches where you will definitely need the max pac in order to make the trip adventures enough to give you freedom to explore off the main roads. I would be up for a scouting mission with you as long as I can bring the land rover as a backup.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Bummer. Anyone interested in purchasing a 2022 Forest Green R1T with very, very low miles???

I'm joking...sort of.

$50K sight unseen (kinda joking)....

 

[s4wrxttcs]

Wouldn't it make more sense to crowd fund a Solar Charging Station in Baja?

 

[Rivtony]

I also want to do a trip to Baja but you are right just a few destination chargers. I drove down last year in a land rover stopping at every destination charger to check them out. There are some stretches where you will definitely need the max pac in order to make the trip adventures enough to give you freedom to explore off the main roads. I would be up for a scouting mission with you as long as I can bring the land rover as a backup.

I’ll probably go down with the family this summer but not too far down than Ensenada.

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