First Ford F-150 Lightning Solar Tonneau Cover Is Already In Development
First Ford F-150 Lightning Solar Tonneau Cover Is Already In Development
Worksport, an Ontario-based pickup truck specialist, announced the commencement of its development program for a solar tonneau cover for the Ford F-150 Lightning – a first for America’s best-selling electric pickup.
The goal is to provide power to the F-150 Lightning by harnessing the sun’s energy instead of plugging it into the grid. By the sound of it, the in-development technology can provide a more sustainable way of passively charging the electric pickup – at least during the daytime. The company is examining the F-150 Lightning’s size, weight, and limited bed area to ensure the performance of this tech.
Worksport believes the Solis solar tonneau cover can potentially increase the range by 10 miles per day, which doesn’t sound a lot.
Despite the rise of electric cars, a solar charging system hasn’t been commercialized, most likely due to its subpar charging performance. Fisker, for example, offers the SolarSky roof in the Ocean SUV, capable of adding only five miles of range per day. That translates to about 1,500 miles in a year.
Tesla, meanwhile, talked about the possibility of using a solar roof, which we expected would debut at the long-awaited launch of the Cybertruck. However, the leading EV maker in the US has yet to offer that option to customers. One Tesla Model Y owner took matters into his own hands by developing a retractable solar roof, vowing to add over 20 miles of range per day.
We hope Worksport can optimize and eventually commercialize the Solis solar tonneau cover. This won’t just allow the F-150 Lightning to charge passively using 100% clean power from the sun but also spur further technological developments.
This tech also aligns with Ford’s vision of more sustainable use of electricity grids following the increasing grid failures in the last two decades.
Upon completion, Worksport plans to offer the tonneau cover with the Solis and COR battery bundle, allowing solar power to be used without depleting the EV’s onboard power reserves. For now, the company is conducting “rigorous” testing for this solar tech, with parts being sourced from suppliers.
“Worksport is at the forefront of integrating solar technology with automotive accessories, and the Solis solar cover for the Ford F-150 Lightning is a testament to our innovative spirit and dedication to sustainability,” said Steven Rossi, CEO of Worksport. “We look forward to sharing the results of our tests and bringing this transformative product to the market.”
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