How likely is a solar tonneau for the CT?

[mongo]

I don’t know of a way to charge the truck while it’s driving. That’s what the range extender was supposed to do so there must be a mechanism.

It would have been direct connection to the pack (most likely ).

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[Bill Carlson]

I don’t know of a way to charge the truck while it’s driving. That’s what the range extender was supposed to do so there must be a mechanism.

I dump the PV into the 12V battery in the vault when driving. When I plug it in it can pull from the battery with the extra store as well as anything new coming in. Agree - ideal solution is a 48V DC charging input (a plug?) that can be fed from a solar accessory.

 

[YDR37]

But I’d want a solar tonneau to be constantly charging when parked or driving alike. Connected to whatever the range extender was supposed to connect to.

But does anyone actually know what the range extender was supposed to connect to? And even if they do, would Tesla actually allow anyone else to use that connection with non-Tesla equipment without voiding the vehicle warranty?

If not, then seems like the best you can do is use solar panels to constantly charge a portable external battery. Then plug that battery into the charge port whenever the vehicle is parked.

 

[Bill Carlson]

Does anyone actually know what the range extender was supposed to connect to? And if so, would Tesla actually allow anyone else to use that connection without voiding the vehicle warranty?

If not, then the best you can do is use solar panels to constantly charge a portable battery, Then plug that battery into the charge port whenever the vehicle is parked.

 

[Bill Carlson]

That what this does. Dump into a battery and when parked pull battery plus whatever it rakes into the truck. I don't see this ever getting more than 1000-1200Wh capability within the footprint of the truck. I can get a few kW a day but with a 123kW battery and vamp drain it does not feel like much but if I was strapped I am sure i would be valuing every mile.

 

[mongo]

Technically, the charge port should be able to act as a 11.5kW 320V max PV input.
The bed outlet panel could be replaced with the PV connection.
Would disable the cabin outlets though.

 

[TyPope]

I don’t know of a way to charge the truck while it’s driving. That’s what the range extender was supposed to do so there must be a mechanism.

Right. That's what I was saying. If Tesla would unlock that capabilty and make it accessible, we could explore multiple options.

 

[YDR37]

A solar tonneau as I envision it would not work like these homebrewed solutions .
For one it would take no space , it would also charge continuously and directly into the HV battery.
Come on Elon….were you just flapping your mouth?

What you envision -- a tonneau cover with solar panels, which can feed power directly into the vehicle battery when the tonneau is closed -- seems like it would be technically possible. But the same could be said for the Range Extender, and Tesla has obviously given up on that. The Range Extender at least made it to the point where it could be pre-ordered; the solar tonneau cover never even got that far.

I don't see aftermarket solutions happening either. The Cybertruck warranty does not exactly encourage third-party battery or charging modifications:

... the servicing or opening of the Battery or Drive Unit by non-Tesla or non-certified personnel, is not covered under this Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty ...

Damage to the Battery resulting from the following activities is also not covered under this Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty:

- Damaging the Battery, or intentionally attempting, either by physical means, programming, or other methods, to extend (other than as specified in your Owner's Manual and any documentation provided by Tesla) or reduce the life of the Battery...

- Attempting to charge the vehicle by any means other than the modes prescribed in the Owner's Manual

 

[Aces Deuce's]

Tesla or aftermarket, what needs to a happen for something like this to exist and how helpful would it be?

It's better to get three five-gallon containers and a generator. Keep them in your truck. This way, you can recharge your vehicle overnight with ease.

 

[hemiarch]

What you envision -- a tonneau cover with solar panels, which can feed power directly into the vehicle battery when the tonneau is closed -- seems like it would be technically possible. But the same could be said for the Range Extender, and Tesla has obviously given up on that. The Range Extender at least made it to the point where it could be pre-ordered; the solar tonneau cover never even got that far.

I don't see aftermarket solutions happening either. The Cybertruck warranty does not encourage third-party battery modifications:

A boy can dream. Noted that in your opinion it’s very unlikely.

 

[hemiarch]

It's better to get three five-gallon containers and a generator. Keep them in your truck. This way, you can recharge your vehicle overnight with ease.

Do you mean propane?

 

[hemiarch]

In theory, could use something like the forthcoming GoSun EV Solar Charger. In practice, don't know if it makes sense to leave $4,999 of solar panels sitting alone in the airport parking lot for days or weeks.

I’ve been hearing about his vaporware for at least three years. The idea seems ok but have you seen one?

 

[hemiarch]

Maybe you missed my Mr. Fusion installation article?

Got a link?

 

[TexasRaider]

As little power as the hood mounted solar options are, there are a few vendors. But like what you asked about.. it’s not enough watts for the material benefits.
The car charger by GoSun is $3400 (if preordered round one, or more if just now ordering.) and that only has 1200 watts.
My opinion, of course.

 

[TexasRaider]

I’ve been hearing about his vaporware for at least three years. The idea seems ok but have you seen one?

I invested early and have an option to buy now. But at $3400, it’d take too long to recover the money over just plugging in at a local charger.

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