Clemson University Student Team Unveils Solar-Powered Prototype DeepOrange17, Generating 2.5x More Commute Energy Than It Consumes

On August 9, a student team from Clemson University unveiled the "DeepOrange17," a solar-electric prototype vehicle developed with sponsorship from BMW. The car generates 2.5 times more electricity than it consumes over a typical 12-mile daily commute. Designed as a two-door coupe, the vehicle weighs approximately 550 kg and features a multi-material chassis architecture incorporating structural steel, aluminum alloy, carbon fiber structural components, and 3D-printed metal joints. Its body shape draws inspiration from the boxfish to optimize aerodynamics and is equipped with regenerative braking, intelligent torque vectoring, and an optimized electronic control system. The exterior integrates over 1,700 photovoltaic cells, co-developed by the Clemson team and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, which continue generating power even when partially shaded. Test data show that, under varying urban sunlight and climate conditions, the solar system provides enough additional energy on average to extend driving range by 31 miles—roughly 2.5 times the 12-mile commute distance. Inside, the vehicle features a custom human-machine interface that displays real-time telemetry and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The prototype will remain at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research as a platform for future development and is scheduled to debut at the CES show in 2027.