With the growing popularity of electric cars, solar-powered vehicles are no longer a far-fetched idea. Indeed, companies are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to fuel the future of the transportation industry.
While many solar-powered vehicles are still in the early stages of development, there are a number of concept cars that appear to be viable options. The majority of these vehicles feature solar panel on the roof that absorb energy while the car is moving. One unique example of this approach is a 3D-printed vehicle that uses bespoke solar panels on the body of the car to capture the sun's rays from every angle.
While these kinds of hybrid vehicles are in high-demand among consumers, they may also be used by other industries as well. For example, a Uganda-based startup called Kiira Motors Corporation has created a solar-powered bus that could make public transit even more eco-friendly. Another unique use of solar power is exemplified by the MRV100 food cart, which could cut down on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by food trucks.
11 Examples of Solar-Powered Vehicles
11
3D-Printed Solar Cars
Students at NTU Created a Futuristic Car Design with Additive Manufacturing
10
Compact Commuter Helicopters
The Eduardo Galvani Fly Citycopter Plane is Designed for Transit
9
Cartoonish Mini Buses
This Versatile Concept E-Car Has a Range of Technological Features
8
Aerodynamic Solar Cars
The Immortus Sports Car is Capable of Providing Unlimited Range
7
Audacious Car Concepts
The Acabion Da Vinci is Touted as Being the Successor to the Car
6
Solar-Powered Family Cars
The Stella Lux Has a Range of Over 1,000 Kilometers
5
Solar-Powered Buses
The Kayoola is the First Solar Bus Developed In Africa
4
Solar-Powered Electric Boats
The SolarSkiff is Designed to Make Electric Boating More Accessible
3
Solar-Powered E-Vehicles
Hanergy's Innovative E-Vehicles Never Need To Be Plugged In
2
Individual Three-Wheeled Racers
This Student-Designed 3D-Printed Vehicle is a Clever Hybrid
1
Solar-Powered E-Vehicles
The Sunnyclist Features a Rooftop Solar Panel and Pedals For Passengers
Related Ideas
Plane-Inspired Vehicle Designs
This Mercedes-Benz Concept Vehicle by Al Yasid Balances Aesthetics
Roof-Mounted EV Charging Systems
The GoSun SUN Delivers 1,200 Watts of Clean Energy for EVs
Solar-Ready Portable Power Banks
The GoSun Power 266 Has a Highly Mobile Design
Origami Travel Solar Panels
Sego Innovations Offers Tech for Powering Farther Off the Grid
Expanding Off-Grid Electric RVs
The Electric Transformer House is Sustainable and Luxurious
Off-Grid Solar Energy Units
The 'Iris' Portable Solar Tracker Has an All-in-One Design
Off-Grid Exploration Vans
The Conceptual GAC Van Life Autonomous Vehicle is Eco-Friendly
Digital Nomad Concept Cars
This Multipurpose Car Was Envisioned By Students From Skoda
Autonomous Amphibious Vehicle Designs
The CROSSER V1 by Bernardo Pereira is for Coastal Cities
Art Deco Self-Driving Vans
The Tesla Robovan Has a Sleek, Train-Like Design with Space for 20
Pop-Up Solar Panel Campers
The Ford Transit Custom Nugget Camper Van Has Space for Five
Two-Wheeled EV Concepts
The 'SHANE' Two-Wheeled Electric Car Concept Has Space for Five
Off-Grid Workspace Vehicles
The Škoda Roadiaq Concept Car is Based on the Enyaq iV
Flying Car Concepts
Alef Aeronautics Comes Closer to Making Flying Cars a Reality with Model-A
Rotating Solar-Powered Benches
'A Solar-Powered Bench That Spins Ever So Slowly' is Interactive
Versatile Hydrogen Battery Systems
These Toyota Hydrogen Cartridges Would Work for Cars and More
Nature-Inspired Solar Panel Trees
New World Wind Develops the Aeroleaf Hybrid Technology
Autonomous Timber Transportation Shuttles
The Conceptual 'Timber Shuttle' is Eco-Focused
Bespoke Electric Convertibles
Cadillac Unveils its Luxurious SOLLEI Concept
Superhero-Inspired Automobiles
Midjourney Boasts a Slew of AI-Generated Car Designs
Emissions-Free Electric Leisure Boats
The GoSun Elcat Solar Electric Boat Has a 1.3kWh Motor
Modular Electric Utility Vehicles
This Three-Wheeler Can Be Adapt to Different Work Applications
Sleek Electric Concept Vehicles
The Hyundai Concept Luxe Sedan Has Extra Seating in the Boot
Rugged Entry-Level Electric SUVs
The Rivian R3 Boasts a Dynamic and Practical Design
Supersonic Aircraft-Inspired EVs
The Conceptual Concorde 20+ Features Aviation Inspiration
Regenerative Fuel Spatial Rovers
Toyoto Designs the New Lunar Cruiser with the JAXA
Water-Ready Sports Car Concepts
The Citroën Above and Under by Sangheon Chung is Transformative
Accessibility-Promoting Electric Quadricycles
This Vehicle Caters to Drivers With Disabilities
All-Electric Towed Trailers
The Lightship L1 Trailer is Battery-Powered and has a Minimal Design
Groundbreaking Electric Vehicle Line-Ups
Honda Debuts Two Concepts Models in the Honda 0 Series
Superyacht-Inspired EV Concepts
The Acura Performance EV Concept Shows Off an Ultra-Modern Form
70s-Style Race Cars
The Hyundai N Vision 74 is Expected to Jump from Concept to Real Life
Futuristic Auto Micro Factories
Most Architecture Unveils a Modern Factory for Charge Cars
Immersive Solar-Powered Installations
Marjan van Aubel & Lexus Unveil the 8 Minutes and 20 Seconds
Revived All-Electric SUV Models
The Scout Traveler SUV is Back After a 44 Year Hiatus
Aerodynamic Electric Sedans
Volkswagen's 'ID.7' Sedan Offers An Impressive Range Of 700 Kilometers
Origami-Inspired Solar Panels
The Levante Origami Solar Panel is 50% Lighter Than Alternatives
Solar-Powered Robotic Lawnmowers
The SunScout Pro Robot Lawnmower Has RTK-GNSS Navigation
Bold High-Tech Roadsters
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept is Electric and Fully Autonomous
All-Electric Camping SUVs
The Hummer EV EarthCruiser Camper Supports Off-Grid Overlanding
Ultra-Futuristic Modern Cars
The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven EV is Visually Striking
Dynamic Electric Vehicle Series
The Saloon and Space-Hub Join Honda's Sustainable 0 Series
Hydrogen-Powered Refuse Trucks
Hyzon Motors and New Way Trucks Have Entered into a Partnership
Electric Urbanite SUVs
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is Built on the Brand's Dedicated BEV Platform
Solar-Powered Electric Motorbikes
Solar Scooters' 'E-Clipse 2' Has Free Charging via Solar Power
Future-Facing EV Designs
The Jaguar Type 00 Showcases the Brand's Future
Reimagined EV Van Models
The Conceptual GMC Safari Electric Brings Back a Classic Model
Electric Car Chassis Platforms
The 'Super Board' Reduces the Development Time Of Electric Vehicles
Solar Powered Wireless Speakers
Urbanista Designs the New Waterproof Malibu Speakers
Biophilic Design Electric Vehicles
The AZULIK Mobility Electric Vehicle is Nature-Inspired
Wearable Solar Power Stations
BLUETTI's Latest Power Solution is a Solar-Powered Backpack
Sculpted Electric SUV Models
The Ford All-Electric Explorer Modernizes a Classic Model
Riproaring Electric Vans
The 'Ford Supervan 4.2' is Designed For Uphill Racing Performance
Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle Systems
Layer Designs the Croft System to Sustainably Power Vehicles
Solar-Powered Charging Robots
The Conceptual Solar Mars Bot Provides Power to Charge Up Solutions
Escapism Electric Vehicle Concepts
The 'Trekker' Concept Vehicle is Imagined for Urbanites in 2030
Electric Mini Camper Vans
Vanderer Presents a Look at the New Citroën 2CV Electric Design
Battery-Powered Outdoor Appliances
The BLUETTI SwapSolar Ecosystem Features Three Products
Open-Source Self-Driving Tools
OpenPodcar is a Hardware and Software Self-Driving Solution
Solar-Powered Rail Bus Systems
The RTA in Dubai Presents Plans for Floc Duo Rail System
Curvaceous Electric Concept Cars
The 'EV Sport 01' Offers Powerful Performance In a Sleek Package
Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems
The SolarBotanic Energy Tree Works in Public or Private Spaces
DIY Solar Oven Guides
Reclaim Design Shows How to Construct a Working Solar Oven for €77.13
Emissions-Free eVTOL Aircraft
This Aircraft Will Utilize a Liquid Hydrogen Powertrain
Shapeshifting Communal EVs
The Kia Concept PV5 and PV7 Have a Projected 2025 Release
Gen Z-Targeted Car Concepts
These Toyota bZ Concept Cars Were Debuted at Auto Shanghai
Solar-Powered Compact Houseboats
Crossboundaries Designs the Fàng Sōng Boat with a Solar Panel
Hydrogen-Powered Concept Vehicles
Yamaha Unveils its Hydrogen-Powered Golf Cart, the 'Drive H2'
Futuristic Angular Luxe Campers
Living Vehicle Designs the CyberTrailer with an Angular Form
Versatile Commercial Van Options
The New Volkswagen Transporter Comes in Several Drive Systems
Solar Panel-Covered Scooters
The Lightfoot Scooter Uses Solar Power for 18-Miles of Range
Eco Police Vehicle Designs
This Police Car Interior by David Dahlberg is Ultra-Modern
Functional Bidirectional Chargers
SolarEdge Debuts a New Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charger
Convertible Commercial RV Vans
Nissan and PlugVan Partnered to Showcase the Plug Module
Energy-Hauling Battery Tankers
This Japanese Tanker Can Transport Surplus Renewable Energy
Continuous Energy Capture Systems
This Soleolico 3D-Printed Wind Turbine Works Around the Clock
Wind-Powered Cargo Ships
Mitsubishi Corporation Retrofits Pyxis Ocean for Sustainability Purposes
Autonomous Sailing Research Vessels
The 'Voyager' Can Carry Out Maritime Data Collection
70s-Style Four-Door EVs
The New Ford Capri is Built on the Volkswagen MEB Platform
Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells
These Saudi-Made Solar Cells Use Groundbreaking Materials
Sporty Solar Watch Designs
Diesel Recently Launched Its First Solar Watch Line
Colored Glass Solar Panels
inQs Beautiful Solar Panels Look Like Stain Glass
All-Electric Sleek Fastback Sedans
Volkswagen Presents the ID.7, an Electric Update
Solar-Powered Cargo Bikes
The Inga from Infinite Mobility Promises Free Charging via Solar Energy
Weekend Excursion City Vehicles
The Playbox Urban Mobility Vehicle is Imagined for 2040
Hyper-Speed Charging Electric Vehicles
The Nyobolt Concept EV Powers Up in Just Six-Minutes
Retro-Futuristic Headlight Automobiles
BMW Vision's Neue Klasse Gears Towards an Electric Angle
User-Friendly Solar Panels
Kunal Girotra Introduces the Sustainable Lunar Energy System
Modular Solar Battery Systems
Anker Unveils the New Solix Home Energy Storage System
Electric Sports Car Concepts
Lotus is Designing its 'Theory 1' EV with Three-Seat Design
Sleek Sustainable EV Concepts
The Opel Experimental EV Concept Has Augmented Projection Technology
Adaptive Interior EV Models
The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric Has a Solarbay Panoramic Roof
Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles
Mercedes Benz Presents a Look at the Vision iMobility
Origami-Inspired Solar Panels
Sego Innovations Develops a New Foldable and Portable Solar Panel
Six-Wheel Drive Concept EVs
The Land AIrcraft Carrier by XPENG AEROHY is Made for Exploration
Ruggedly Modified Camping Trucks
The 1987 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1300L is Off-Grid-Ready
Tire-Crafted Solar Stills
The Floating Solar Still is an Eco-Friendly Way to Purify Water
Zero-Emission Solar-Powered Aircrafts
The Falcon Horizon by Laszlo Nemeth Runs on Solar Power
Hybrid Propulsion Catamarans
The Sunreef Zero Cat Has Hydrogen and Electric Propulsion
Disaster-Prepared Electric Vans
Japanese Automaker HW Electro Unveils a Solar-Powered Electric Van
Range-Boosting Aerodynamic Systems
Hyundai's 'Active Air Skirts' Increase the Efficiency Of EVs
Sporty All-Electric Concept Cars
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Maximizes Electric Capabilities
Alternative Copper Solar Panels
SunDrive is Creating Solar Panels with No Silver Included
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
Solar-Powered Food Trucks
Planted Unveiled a Sustainable Food Truck for a Tour Across the UK
Battery-Powered Food Trucks
Food Trucks are Replacing Dirty Generators with Clean Battery Systems
E-Bike Charging Partnerships
BikeFlex Partnered with Solarcycle on Renewable Bike Charging
Hybrid-System Futuristic Hypercar Concepts
The Mercedes-AMG ONE Hypercar is Optimally Engineered
Petite Solar-Powered EVs
The 'Buggy' is a Micro Vehicle That Offers Comfortably Compact Motoring
Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems
The 'Vitovolt 300' Can Power Homes, Buildings, Vehicles and More
Electrified Retro Sports Cars
The 'Caterham EV Seven' Will Feature An All-Electric Powertrain
Eco-Friendly Cafe Vehicles
This Conceptual Solar-Powered Coffee Truck Operates Anywhere
3D Solar Panel Modules
The TIPA Design is Made with a Chamber of Mirrors to Maximize Energy
Next-Gen Safety SUV Models
The Renault Symbioz Hybrid SUV is Modern and Fuel-Efficient
Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Partnerships
Toyota and Pepco Join Forces on a New Project
Hydrogen-Powered Campervan Concepts
The 'Gen 2 LCV' Concept Would Offer Zero-Emissions Van Life
Thermoregulating Car Cloaks
The 'Janus' Cloak Helps Protect Car Batteries From Temperature Swings
Research-Centric Hydrogen Motorcycles
This Open-Source Two-Wheeler Aims to Encourage Innovation
Powerful All-Electric Solar Trailers
Living Vehicle Designs the 2024 HD Trailer on Solar Power
Floating Solar Power Plants
This French Power Plant Will Deliver Clean Energy to 2,000 Homes
Excess Solar Energy Transitions
Tesla Launches the New Charge on Solar Electric Feature
All-Electric Pope Vehicles
Pope Francis Introduces a New Popemobile by Mercedes-Benz
All-Electric Sports Cars
Porsche's Vision 357 Speedster is an Ultra-Luxurious Model
Inaugural EV-Prototype Race Cars
The ABB NASCAR EV Prototype Was Unveiled at Chicago Street Race
All-Electric Restaurant Concepts
This Chipotle Restaurant Design Harnesses Wind & Solar Power
Puzzle-Inspired Electric Minivans
HW Electric Designs a Modular Sustainable Electric Minivan
Electric Van Fleets
SoCalGas Incorporated New Ford E-Transit Electric Vans into Its Fleet
Luxury Utility Vehicle Concepts
The Pininfarina PURA Vision Concept Imagines the Future
Sustainable Cold Shipping Systems
The Carrier Transicold Solar Charging Systems are Efficient
Dystopian Electric Vehicles
UP.FIT Refits Tesla Models Into Cyberpunk Tactile Vehicles
Solar Cell Cycling Paths
These Dutch Cycling Paths Are Sheathed In Photovoltaic Cells
Miniscule Electric SUVs
The 'VF 3' Mini SUV is a Powerfully Compact Vehicle
Solar Panel Angle Calculators
The Solar Angle Calculator Shows the Optimal Position
Battery Electric Vehicle Lines
Iveco Group Highlights Commitment to Diverse Energy Solutions
Solar-Powered Golf Carts
LOBO EV Marks Its Third Successful Export of Golf Carts to the U.S.
Green Energy-Delivering Ships
This Revolutionary Ship Can Deliver Clean Energy to Vessels At Port
All-Electric Medium-Duty Trucks
Volta's Prototype Truck is Designed For Sustainable Hauling
Solar-Powered Heated Seats
The GoSun Solar Seat Offers Warmth on Cold Days
AI-Powered Sail Systems
The 'FastRig' System Allows For Efficient Use Of Wind Power
Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings
This Vineyard's Visitor Center Will Benefit From Solar Arrays