Created by an Italian university spin-out, HySolarKit can transform a traditional car into a hybrid.
A spin-out of Salerno University, eProInn has created technology that can transform a traditional car running on fuel into a hybrid car. The technology is being commercialised under the product name HySolarKit.
The kit is able to use solar energy to reduce emissions and can reduce the car’s need for fuel by up to 20% in urban surroundings. On top of the environmental advantage, the technology also increases acceleration on the car.
It works by adding a second battery to the car, as well as a control system which taps into on-board diagnostics, a self-diagnostic and reporting tool standard in modern cars. On top of collecting solar energy when stationary, this second battery is also recharged by converting kinetic energy generated by braking.
The technology was invented by Gianfranco Rizzo, course leader of the MSc Mechanical Engineering and Management, and creator of the technology. The company has been putting a prototype through its paces on a Fiat Punto, and is looking for funding. It had been in advanced talks with Bertone until the company declared its bankruptcy earlier this year.
