Solar-powered cars could move from the confines of college engineering experiments into the mass market if Ford’s latest hybrid C-Max Solar Energi Concept takes off.
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The United States car manufacturer is set to unveil its latest concept at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, which will not only be welcomed by motorists looking for a greener drive, but is also likely to boost the solar industry, which has seen its fair share of booms and busts in the last few years.
“The sun could power up to 75 per cent of all trips made by an average driver in a solar hybrid vehicle. This could be especially important in places where the electric grid is underdeveloped, unreliable and expensive to use.
“Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept shines a new light on electric transportation and renewable energy,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford global director of vehicle electrification and infrastructure. “As an innovation leader, we want to further the public dialog about the art of the possible in moving the world toward a cleaner future.”
The off-the-grid concept could reduce a typical owner’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by four metric tonnes, according to Ford’s estimates.
Created in partnership with SunPower Corp and Georgia Institute of Technology, the C-MAX Solar Energi uses a special Fresnel lens in order to direct sunlight to the solar cells, drawing enough power each day equal to a four-hour battery charge. The patent-pending technology follows the concept similar to a magnifying glass.
Ford said its plug-in brand C-Max Energi, which runs to a range of 620 miles in full charge is its plug-in sales leader, outselling competitor brands in the last months of 2013, and brought in more than a total of 6,300 units sold. But there is no telling whether consumers are ready to rally behind the new idea and rely on sunshine.
However, the car is also not totally off-the-grid as Ford has installed a charge port so owners have the option to plug it into a charging station and power up via the grid.
“The sun could power up to 75 per cent of all trips made by an average driver in a solar hybrid vehicle. This could be especially important in places where the electric grid is underdeveloped, unreliable and expensive to use,” a Ford statement said.
