At Clemson University in Greenville, South Carolina, 16 students who recently completed their Master of Science in Automotive Engineering have developed Deep Orange 17, a two-door coupé nicknamed Luminetta.
The somewhat bulky-looking vehicle is described as an ‘energy-positive electric vehicle prototype’ that, according to its creators, generates more energy than it consumes during a typical day of urban commuting. Developed in collaboration with BMW’s research and development team, the prototype combines solar technology, lightweight construction and intelligent vehicle control.
Deep Orange 17 is not the first concept vehicle developed at the South Carolina university. Through its ‘Deep Orange’ programme, successive groups of Clemson University students have designed and built a series of functional prototypes. BMW has been a long-standing partner of the programme.
Work on Deep Orange 17 began in autumn 2024. At the heart of the vehicle’s energy concept are more than 1,700 photovoltaic cells integrated directly into its exterior surfaces, generating electricity both while parked and on the move.
“Rather than serving as an auxiliary feature, solar power is a core part of the vehicle’s propulsion strategy,” the team emphasised.
