Mercedes-Benz creates solar paint

Mercedes-Benz creates "solar paint" for charging electric cars from the sun.
A future in which an electric car charges simply by standing in the sun is becoming more and more real. Mercedes-Benz is developing an innovative coating that can generate electricity - and at first glance, this sounds like science fiction. However, we are talking about a very real project that can change the idea of charging electric cars.

Mercedes engineers are working on a technology called "solar paintwork" - this is not quite the usual paint, but a thin photovoltaic layer that can be applied to the car body. It will collect solar energy and convert it into electricity.
The potential is impressive: up to 14 thousand km of mileage per year - or about 39 km per day in sunny weather. Of course, this will not completely replace classic charging, but will allow you to connect to the network less often, especially on city trips.

Mercedes is considering the possibility of creating an active photovoltaic surface with an efficiency of solar cells of about 20%. Such solutions are already being studied by other automakers, but integrating the technology into the "paint" could be a major breakthrough.
Another Mercedes project is a programmable microconverter that can be built into individual battery cells. This will allow each of them to be controlled individually, providing a stable voltage of 800 V, regardless of the state of charge and wear of the battery. What does this give? Firstly, an increase in the power reserve. Secondly, energy optimization for bidirectional charging. And also - flexibility in the battery architecture, which will open the way to new layout solutions.
Mercedes is also rethinking the braking system. The new type of brakes is no longer located near the wheels, but is integrated into the motor-transmission unit. The company claims that such a system is virtually wear-free, does not require maintenance and does not rust. In addition, it does not emit harmful particles and is quieter, improving comfort and efficiency.

Together with the University of Waterloo (Canada), Mercedes is exploring the possibilities of neuromorphic computing, a technology that imitates the human brain. This approach makes artificial intelligence 10 times faster and more energy efficient, which means it is more suitable for automotive safety systems.
In the future, such neural networks will be able to better recognize road signs, markings, and other vehicles, especially in low visibility conditions. This is a key element in the development of autonomous driving and improving overall road safety.
From over-the-air charging and smart batteries to wheelless brakes and neural networks that imitate human thinking, Mercedes-Benz makes it clear that electric cars are not just an alternative, but a technological platform of the future. The question is no longer whether we will drive on electricity, but how smart and autonomous our cars will be.
The day before, Mercedes-Benz presented a concept that sets the direction for future premium minivans. Vision V is not just an experimental model, but a real prototype that heralds a new level of comfort and technology in the luxury van segment.