BMW challenged students to build an EV that makes more energy than it uses. They covered it in 1,700 solar cells and it works.

TL;DRClemson students built the Luminetta for BMW: a 1,212-lb solar EV with 1,700 cells that generates 31 miles of range daily. Energy-positive for a 12-mile commute. CES 2027.

BMW challenged graduate students at Clemson University to build an electric vehicle that generates more energy than it consumes in a day of urban commuting. Two years later, they have a working prototype. Deep Orange 17, which BMW calls the Luminetta, is a two-seat solar EV covered in more than 1,700 photovoltaic cells developed with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. It weighs 1,212 pounds and produces enough solar energy to regenerate 31 miles of range per day, more than double the 12-mile daily commute the team used as its benchmark.

The vehicle’s shape, inspired by a box fish, exists to maximise solar surface area. Nearly every square inch of the exterior is a panel. The cells harvest energy while parked, while driving, and in traffic. Fraunhofer’s panels can also capture energy in shade. The orange colour is part of a durable protective film over the cells. The lightweight construction uses steel for the passenger cell, aluminium, carbon fibre, and 3D-printed metal joints. Regenerative braking and optimised torque distribution contribute additional energy savings beyond the solar harvest.