BMW Unveils the Solar Charging Carport of the Future

cartechboy (2660665) writes "The carport hasn't changed much over the years. Made out of wood, aluminum or steel, they are simple structures meant to cover your vehicle from the elements. BMW has just revealed a concept carport that takes these structures into the future. Made out of bamboo and carbon fiber, this concept carport features solar panels that harvest the sun's energy and use it to charge your BMW i-vehicle. "With the solar carport concept we opted for a holistic approach: not only is the vehicle itself sustainable, but so is its energy supply," explained Tom Allemann of BMW Designworks USA. "This is therefore an entirely new generation of carports that allows energy to be produced in a simple and transparent way. It renders the overarching theme of lightweight design both visible and palpable." The entire thing is quite beautiful, and could be the way to make not only charging your electric car sustainable, but also building your carport."

Comments

Math check

[Firethorn]

Double checked my math. More like 22 kwh, or 66 miles worth of electricity a day.

Re:Beautiful?

[Lumpy]

Spoken like a true BMW owner.

Re:How long?

[CrimsonAvenger]

This thing would be advantageous if it would keep the car in the shade during summer, and clear of snow in the winter. A garage would be better, though.

This thing would only be advantageous if your electric car spent its daylight hours at your house.

In other words, largely unused. Most of us drive to work in the daytime, drive home in the evening, and our car stays home (with us) overnight. Not as much sunlight as you might expect at night....