Improvements you would like to see in future updates that can't be updated via software

[CyberGus]

I've been looking at flexible panels. Something like https://www.bougerv.com/products/fiberglass-100-watt-solar-panel

40x24x0.08" 100 watts each, so carrying 3KW and laying them on the ground when overlanding is <3" thick if I believe their dimensions.

A Tesla owner documented their solar-only journey, so this should give you an idea of the scope.

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[Tambo]

I'm not proposing direct access to the HV battery. You keep bringing up the cells needed to reach voltage, but I do not believe that is the case. My assumption is the AC charger inside the car rectifies the incoming AC to DC and then does a high frequency DC/DC conversion to match the battery voltage to charge. That would be the simplest way to design this IMO. Doing a AC/AC step-up to high voltage at 60Hz, then rectifying to DC to charge the battery would require fairly large magnetics and also variable turns ratios of a transformer and I just can't imagine Telsa would do it this way. A solar array running somewhere between 100-400V (5-20 panels in series) could in theory tap into the DC section of the built in charger. The DC/DC charger could also in theory behave like a MPPT, tracking the optimal current/voltage combination for the most power in real time. I'm an electrical engineer by trade and I have designed something like this at much lower power (in the 100's of W), so the technique is sound and I can't think of any reason it wouldn't scale into the KWs.

Without direct access to the onboard charger, I would have to build an off-grid AC system but again, not all that difficult and components are available for a reasonable price. I'm trying to avoid having to bring a 240V generator, which is very loud and they are not that small either.

As far as waterproofing the connectors, the panels I gave a link to already has IPx rated connectors, and finding enough open area to place the panels at least where I would like to go I don;t think is that difficult. Consider this, each of the 100W panel is 8sqft, To get 3KW, that's 240sqft or, a 15.6x15.6' clearing. That's not that big of an area to find that has no shade.

 

[ÆCIII]

• Washers for all cameras, not just the rear.
• Night vision (IR) for cameras automatically activated at dark, like some security cameras do.
• A robotic arm extending up from the dash with window cleaner spray and micro-fiber pad to self-clean the inside of that huge windshield, and then retracts.
• Flux Capacitor.

- ÆCIII

 

[Tambo]

A Tesla owner documented their solar-only journey, so this should give you an idea of the scope.

Hey Cybergus, thanks for that Video.

That's pretty much what I had in mind currently with an off-grid 240V system and I can build with off the shelf components. I"m not planning a cannonball run, so the use case is a little different. I will just need to generate enough to explore a little overlanding and to get back to the superchargers when I am done the trip. Some of the places I want to go are far enough from the superchargers that it would be tough to get there, explore for a few days and return on one charge. If I can generate 40KWH a day over a 3 day trip, that should be sufficient for me. The flexible panels are a game changer since they are so think and makes it possible to carry 3KW (or ~6KW for the guy in the video) fairly easily. Worst case scenario, if I get a cloudy day, I extend the trip until I get enough charge to make it back. Not the worst thing in the world.

 

[Woodrick]

A Tesla owner documented their solar-only journey, so this should give you an idea of the scope.

Yea, that's no big deal, 60 solar cells $6000+ ( (it appears as if there were only 2 in the car), around $2000 of MMPT / Inverter, and about $5000 in batteries.
I think that I heard that the solar array was 70ft across.
And that get's 150 miles per day.

 

[Pulaski]

• Washers for all cameras, not just the rear.
• Night vision (IR) for cameras automatically activated at dark, like some security cameras do.
• A robotic arm extending up from the dash with window cleaner spray and micro-fiber pad to self-clean the inside of that huge windshield, and then retracts.
• Flux Capacitor.

- ÆCIII

Seems reasonable.

 

[kpanda17]

we have a longer list under wishlist 2025-2026
took some great ideas from here, outlet in frunk, etc

 

[kpanda17]

not a fan of this when driving

but maybe when camping, roadtripping, a number of panels stacked in the bed that can be taken out and used for recharging
but this exists

 

[Woodrick]

not a fan of this when driving


but maybe when camping, roadtripping, a number of panels stacked in the bed that can be taken out and used for recharging
but this exists

Are you aware that it appears that neither of these videos have enough cells to support even 120V 15A charging?
It takes a LOT of solar power to charge an EV. We're talking 30-60 cells and maybe 5kW external battery pack.

 

[kpanda17]

Are you aware that it appears that neither of these videos have enough cells to support even 120V 15A charging?
It takes a LOT of solar power to charge an EV. We're talking 30-60 cells and maybe 5kW external battery pack.

no i get it, its a gee whiz, but no, when faced with reality

 

[Thunderstrike44]

Please Please Please get a media player that plays from the USB (correctly) and remembers where it is in the MP3 when you start the truck again. I have tried and tried to get the player to work in CT and its disappointed even just playing music. I like to listen to Audiobooks, and internet Audio Dramas but they can be 1/2 hour or 2 hours longs in a single file and for what ever reason the CT stops about 15 minutes into a file and won't play until I switch files and then it does it again. Besides always having no idea where it was at and I have to move the slider bar to where I think it was.
Yes I have tried Booth through my phone and even that has bugs. Can we get a regular media player like VLC for the truck. Also why cant we get Apple Play or Android Auto?
Please Elon. I had those option in other cars for 15+ years now.

 

[Diveflyfish]

• Washers for all cameras, not just the rear.
• Night vision (IR) for cameras automatically activated at dark, like some security cameras do.
• A robotic arm extending up from the dash with window cleaner spray and micro-fiber pad to self-clean the inside of that huge windshield, and then retracts.
• Flux Capacitor.

Agreed……. A FLIR system that could project HUD onto windshield would be nifty……. Heck there is enough room on the dashboard or use the rear view mirror mount for a projector display in 3D !
- ÆCIII

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