<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>The annual Bridgestone World Solar Challenge will feature an Indian participation for the first time with students from the Centre for Innovation, IIT-Madras racing their solar-powered car 'Aagneya'.</li><li>Vehicle integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) is an emerging technology where solar cells are integrated into the entire surface of vehicles to generate solar power, potentially reducing the load on batteries by taking care of auxiliary power consumption.</li><li>Global developments include companies like Sono Motors, Lightyear, Toyota, Mercedes working on VIPV cars. Mercedes has developed a solar paint that can be applied to EVs, potentially providing an additional 12,000 km of range under ideal conditions.</li><li>Challenges with VIPV technology include a drop in PV efficiency due to high module temperatures, prompting the need for further research into cooling techniques like phase-changing chemicals. VIPV offers promise in enhancing electric range and reducing charging stops.</li></ul>

Time to roll out solar-roofed vehicles

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