In 2020, the worldwide solar vehicle market was valued at USD 290.7 million, and it is projected to reach USD 2,899.7 million by 2027. Automakers of all sizes are developing hybrid solar cars, incorporating interim technologies such as solar roof panels to charge batteries and internal systems. Numerous solar-powered car prototypes are currently in development, with some already being produced. In this blog, we’ll see some of the top electric vehicles with solar roofs.
Top EVs with Solar Panel on Electric Car Roof
A car running completely on solar energy is still a pipeline dream, but rooftop panels are now being featured on cars like Hyundai’s Sonata and Mercedes’s Vision EQXX. These vehicles use solar panel on electric car roof to harness the power of the sun to extend their range and reduce reliance on traditional charging.
| Product Name | Battery | Range | Unique Feature | Price (Approx) |
| Fisker Ocean Extreme | 113 kWh | 360 miles | SolarSky roof, up to 1,500 clean miles per year, luxury features | $61,499 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | High capacity lithium ion battery system. | 303 miles | Solar roof, pixel light, active air intakes, sleek design | $41,800 |
| Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium | 13.6 kWh | 39 miles | Solar-charging roof, advanced safety | $39,170 |
| Aptera Sol | Not specified | 1000 miles | Efficient solar charging, lightweight design, aerodynamics | $33,200 |
| The Squad Solar City | 6.4 kWh | Up to 62 miles (approx) | Portable and swappable batteries, integrated solar panel | $6,751 (€6,250) |
1. Fisker Ocean Extreme
The Fisker Ocean Extreme comes with a solar panel on its electric car roof. It is loaded with high-end luxury features, all-wheel drive, and provides an exceptional driving experience fueled by its Hyper Range battery. It comes with a range of 360 miles and features a groundbreaking SolarSky roof that harnesses solar energy to support the vehicle’s battery-powered motor.
When fully exposed to the sun, the SolarSky can generate up to 1,500 clean, emissions-free miles per year. Under ideal conditions, this range may increase to beyond 2,000 miles, all powered by pure sunshine. Currently, this car model is priced at about $61,499.
Features:
- Its dimensions are 187.95 in (L) X 83.54 in (W) x 64.13 in (H).
- Its curb weight is 5,369 lb.
- Has a battery capacity of 113 kWh.
- Peak top speed is 128 mph.
- Comes with Dual Motor features.
- 3 drive modes: Earth, Fun, and Hyper.
- Revolve 17.1″ central touchscreen, digital rear view mirror, and power liftgate.
- Adaptive Drive Control (2024) and Front/Rear Heated Seats.
- Fisker Pulse Audio System powered by ELS STUDIO 3D®
- Also has California Mode, Smart Traction (2024), Boost Mode, Limo Mode, and Find My Fisker.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The IONIQ 5 symbolizes Hyundai’s design, drawing inspiration from the bold spirit of the company’s first car, the Hyundai Pony. It reflects Hyundai’s 45-year journey, linking the brand’s past, present, and future to be part of customers’ lives. Its distinctive exterior design is marked by clean and sharp lines, creating a sleek and sophisticated appearance.
This car features flush handles, a solar roof, pixel light, and active air intakes. Its vision roof contributes to a greater sense of openness in the interior, as it consists of one large glass panel without any supporting materials. Currently, the car is priced around $41,800.
Features:
- Has a range of 303 miles and a power 320 hp/239 kW.
- Max. speed of 185 kph.
- Its dimensions are 4,635 mm (L)x 1,890 mm (W) x 1,605 mm (H).
- Gross weight of 2,370 kg.
- High-capacity lithium-ion battery system (58kW).
- A 12.25-inch full-touch infotainment screen and a 12.25-inch display for essential information.
- Available in exterior colors: Phantom Black Pearl, Cyber Gray Metallic, Galactic Gray Metallic, Shooting-Star Gray Matte, Atlas White, Gravity Gold Matte, Lucid Blue Pearl, Mystic Olive-Green Pearl, and Digital Teal-Green Pearl.
3. TOYOTA Prius Prime XSE Premium
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium is another addition to the list of best EVs with solar panels on electric car roofs. It offers an estimated 39-mile driving range and a starting price of $39,170. It features a fixed glass roof, color-matched front door handles, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna, and a solar-charging roof.
The vehicle is equipped with convenient charging options, featuring 6 USB-C ports strategically located, including 2 in the front, 2 in the center console, and 2 at the rear. Additionally, it incorporates modern technology such as a digital rearview mirror.
The system further enhances security through remote keyless entry, offering functions for locking, unlocking, and activating panic alerts.
Features:
- It comes with a permanent magnet AC Synchronous motor type.
- Its power is 120 kW (161 hp) and its voltage is up to 650V
- Has a Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery with 13.6 kWh capacity.
- Its dimensions are 56.3″ height x 70.2″ width x 181.1″ length.
- Coefficient of Drag (Cd) is 0.27.
- It weighs around 3571 lb (Curb weight).
Also See: How to Install Solar Panels on Car Roof
4. Aptera Sol
Named after the Spanish word for Sun, Sol draws inspiration from science and nature. Aptera Sol is one of the top best EVs with solar panels on car roofs which harvest sunlight and eliminate the need for most daily charging.
It features a lightweight design, exceptional aerodynamics, and an impressive 1000-mile range. With this car, you can live a life off the grid, powered by the sun, contributing to a better future for people and the planet. Typically priced at around $33,200, but the cost may vary based on customization.
Features:
- Available in 4 colors: Luna Silver, Sol White, Noir Black, and customizable to any preferred color.
- Goes 0-60 mph in 4 sec.
- Up to 40 miles of daily solar charging capacity.
- Comes with battery ranges of 250 miles, 400 miles, 600 miles, and 1000 miles.
- Comes with solar features of roof + dash, solar hood, solar rear hatch, or all panels.
- Comes with a front-wheel-drive system or an all-wheel-drive system.
- Leads with the least rolling resistance, ensuring an efficient ride.
- The three-wheel design minimizes energy loss by eliminating a touchpoint.
- Its diamond-shaped solar panels offer continuous charging, providing ~700 Watts of power whether driving or parked.
- Designed to accommodate various needs, offering 32.5 cubic feet of rear storage.
5. The Squad Solar City
The Squad Solar City is a compact city vehicle and is one of the best EVs with solar panel on the electric car roof. It is designed to meet EU L6 and L7 as well as US LSV regulations, with versions capable of 45 km/h (L6) for two persons and 70 km/h (L7) for up to 4 people. No car driver’s license is required for the L6 in most countries. Standard features include heating, while doors and air conditioning are optional. The batteries are portable and swappable.
The Squad automatically charges its batteries using solar energy from the integrated panel on its roof. It operates with zero emissions, and is free, silent, and wireless throughout its life cycle, both when driving and parked. It is an affordable solution with a starting retail price of approx $6,751(€6250), available through leasing or subscription. No parking fees, road tax, or congestion charges in most cities.
Features:
- Its dimensions are (length x width x height) 2 m x 1.2 m x 1.6 m.
- It weighs around 350 kg.
- Its 45 km/h speed allows easy maneuvering.
- Each battery has a capacity of 1.6 kWh, totaling 6.4 kWh, providing a range of up to 100 km.
- With a length of 2 meters, it efficiently parks perpendicular on an average spot with tires against the curb.
- With a footprint of 2.4 m² (1.2 m² per person), 3 Squads can fit in 1 car parking spot.
- Squad features unique, optional removable doors for hot summer days.
- Wheels and tires extend beyond the bodywork, serving as practical bumpers.
Also Read: Battery Electric Bus Vs Fuel Bus: Which is Better?
6. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The Sonata Hybrid breaks away from conventional designs with its coupe-like style and sleek lines. Boasting an efficient 54 MPG Hwy, it features an optional solar roof that harnesses free energy from the sun, converting it into electricity to recharge the batteries and increase the daily driving range by almost 2 miles.
With hidden LED lighting in the chrome trim, ample space, and advanced tech and safety features, this car transforms the idea of hybrids, making each journey futuristic and exciting. It is priced at about $35,700.
Features:
- Its dimensions (LxWxH) are 192.9×73.2×56.9 (in inches).
- Its curb weight is around 3,505 to 3,530 lbs.
- Power output of 39 kW (51 hp).
- 270 volts lithium-ion battery.
- Total interior volume is 120.4 cubic feet.
- A 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation.
- Integrated Memory System (IMS) and Heads-up Display (HUD).
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and Surround View Monitor.
- Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).
Also See: Do Electric Cars Lose Range Over Time?
7. Thundertruck
Thundertruck is not your typical truck; it’s a revolutionary design that is about to redefine versatility and functionality for drivers and passengers alike.
Equipped with features like an HD roof rack system, spacious cargo bed with easy-access steps, extendable loading ramps for bikes, automatic ‘drop-down’ side steps with lighting, and an integrated camping tent that expands over the main tray, Thundertruck is designed for maximum utility.
Additionally, they use flexible solar panels on electric car roof. It includes a collapsible roof-mounted Bat Wing awning. The solar panels on this electric car roof come with flexible solar fabric for stationary battery recharging and auxiliary shade. This truck comes in 4×4 and 6×6 variants, let’s discuss the features of the basic variant.
Features:
- Its range is around 400 miles.
- It comes with a battery capacity of 180 kWh.
- Goes 0-60 time in 3.5 sec.
- Its dimensions (HxLxW) are 80 inches x 207 inches x 87 inches.
- It weighs around 6120 lbs.
- Power is 800 HP.
- Its max towing capacity is 7500 lbs.
- Ground clearance of 14.5 inches.
Also See: How to Install Flexible Solar Panels on Tesla
8. Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX
In April 2022, Mercedes-Benz showcased the practical abilities of the VISION EQXX through a long-distance drive on open roads. With over 620 miles (1,000 km) of real-world electric range on a single charge and energy consumption of under 10 kWh/100 km, this car sets the standard for future efficiency.
Unlike traditional electric vehicles, the VISION EQXX gains a power boost from its built-in solar roof rather than relying solely on charging stations. The 117 solar cells on the roof charge the 12-volt battery, powering auxiliary loads and the navigation system. This solar booster provides measurable benefits, extending the range by more than 2%, equivalent to over 25 kilometers on a journey exceeding 1,000 kilometers.
The car is not yet available for sale, and it is not expected to be a mass-produced vehicle.
Features:
- Battery capacity is less than 100 kWh
- Drag coefficient of cd 0.17
- Generous 110 inches wheelbase
- First real-time 3D system with NAVIS Automotive Systems, Inc (NAVIS-AMS)
- Lightweight magnesium wheels.
- Innovative, animal-free materials including cactus fibers, mycelium, and vegan silk.
Also Read: How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last While Driving?
9. Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
The Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept was a groundbreaking sun-powered vehicle launched in 2014. It provided the advantages of a plug-in hybrid without depending on the electric grid for fuel. It featured a solar panel on electric car roof that drew power from a special concentrator lens, similar to a magnifying glass.
Features:
- Had a combined best miles per gallon equivalent in its class, with EPA-estimated 108 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway, for a combined 100 MPGe.
- Tested for real-world scenarios, it achieves a total range of up to 620 miles with a full charge.
- Was estimated to have reduced the annual greenhouse gas emissions of a typical owner by four metric tons.
So, these were the best EVs with solar panels on the roof. They have efficient solar panels on their roofs that store electricity in their batteries. This stored energy can be used for driving, even at night when the sun isn’t shining. They’re not just good for the environment, but they’re also cost-effective.
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