Oxford PV, a global leader in perovskite photovoltaic (PV) technology, has joined the SUITE (Smart Use of Integrated Technology for EV) project, a major UK-led collaborative R&D programme supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC). The project is designing cutting‑edge solar panels for vehicles to improve electric vehicle (EV) efficiency and range.
Accelerating solar innovation for EVs
SUITE is part of the latest round of APC-supported initiatives receiving funding through the Department for Business and Trade’s DRIVE35 Collaborate programme, delivered in partnership with APC and Innovate UK. The consortium brings together leading automotive company Nissan Technical Centre UK, specialist engineering companies, and leading UK universities to accelerate solar innovation for EVs.
Oxford PV will contribute its world-leading perovskite PV expertise, building on more than a decade of pioneering research and industrialisation of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar technology. Within the SUITE project, this expertise will be applied to vehicle-integrated solar, where high performance, low weight, and design flexibility are essential.
“We are excited to be working with such a strong consortium of automotive and technology partners on the SUITE project,” said David Ward, CEO at Oxford PV. “Perovskite photovoltaics offer a step change in solar performance and open up new possibilities for vehicle-integrated solutions. This collaboration allows us to bring our technology leadership to a new class of applications that can deliver real-world benefits for electric mobility.”
Perovskites ideally suited
Vehicle-integrated solar can supplement energy generation during normal vehicle operation, supporting improved overall efficiency and helping to extend range. High-efficiency perovskite-based solar cells offer high power density in lightweight format, making them well-suited for EV integration where maximum power per area and weight are critical.
“By combining cutting-edge PV technology with automotive-grade design and manufacturing expertise, SUITE represents an important step towards commercially viable solar-assisted electric vehicles,” David Ward added. “We’re proud to contribute to a project that supports the UK’s net zero ambitions while advancing the performance and sustainability of future transport.”
Participation in SUITE further underscores Oxford PV’s commitment to expanding the impact of perovskite PV technology beyond conventional power generation, supporting the transition to an all‑electric world powered by clean energy.