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
Roof-Mounted EV Charging Systems
The GoSun SUN Delivers 1,200 Watts of Clean Energy for EVs
Homeless Support Backpacks
The Makeshift Traveler Backpack Has a Solar Panel and More
Multifunctional Micro-Camper Vans
The Toyoya Kayoibako Prioritizes Flexibility
Duplex-Style Camper Vans
The Alphavan Off Grid 4x4 Supports Luxe Glamping Adventures
Adventurous Off-Road EV Concepts
The Kia EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR Concepts are Rugged
Tilting Three-Wheeled EVs
The Kairos EV Uses a Tilt Functionality for Greater Stability
Off-Grid Solar Energy Units
The 'Iris' Portable Solar Tracker Has an All-in-One Design
Refined Off-Grid Trailer Homes
The Living Vehicle GT39 is Chicly Appointed
Compact Fully Electric Vehicles
smart #2 is Built on the Electric Compact Architecture Platform
Art Deco Self-Driving Vans
The Tesla Robovan Has a Sleek, Train-Like Design with Space for 20
Tadpole-Shaped Three-Wheelers
This Three-Wheeled Car Boasts a Low Center Of Gravity
Versatile Hydrogen Battery Systems
These Toyota Hydrogen Cartridges Would Work for Cars and More
Next-Generation PHEV SUVs
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off the Model's Sixth-Generation Design
Panoramic Roof Camper Vans
The SpaceCamper Multivan Classic+ Features the SpaceRoof
Quick-Charge Electric CUVs
The Hyundai INSTER Charges to 80% in 30-Minutes
Bespoke Electric Convertibles
Cadillac Unveils its Luxurious SOLLEI Concept
All-Electric SUV Models
The 2027 Toyota Highlander Will Offer 320-Miles of Range
Art Deco Show-Car Statements
The Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Blends 1930s Glamour with New Tech
Sustainable Electric Bike Concepts
Przemysław Wolnicki Designed the Concept E-THUNDER Bike
Accessible All-Electric Cars
The Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 Concept is Estimated at €20,000
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Luxury Long-Range Electric SUVs
The Porsche Cayenne Electric Comes in Two Models
Superyacht-Inspired EV Concepts
The Acura Performance EV Concept Shows Off an Ultra-Modern Form
Agile Four-Wheeled eBikes
The Acticycle Bike Car Hybrid is Designed to Be Shared
Efficient Micro Mobility EVs
The Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric Prototype is Set to Launch in 2026
Solar-Lined Energy Towers
Foster + Partners Released Designs of Solar Towers for Moon Use
Revived All-Electric SUV Models
The Scout Traveler SUV is Back After a 44 Year Hiatus
Scandinavian Electric GTs
The Polestar 5 Grand Tourer Blends Minimalist Design with Sustainability
Device-Charging Sun Hats
The EcoFlow Power Hat Generates Electricity When Worn in the Sun
Hydrogen Fuel Cars
Toyota Showcases the 'Mirai FCEV' as a Zero-Emission Mobility Option
Future-Facing EV Designs
The Jaguar Type 00 Showcases the Brand's Future
Pop-Up Multi-Room Camper Vans
The Sunlight Vanlife Camper Van Has a Three-Room Layout
Hydrogen-Powered Refuse Trucks
Hyzon Motors and New Way Trucks Have Entered into a Partnership
Autonomous Heavy-Duty Trucks
SANY Group and Pony.ai Announce Mass-Production Readiness
Bookable Autonomous Shuttles
Uber and May Mobility Partner to Launch Robotaxi Fleet
Advanced Sustainable Energy Solutions
EBL Showcases Its Latest Innovations at CES 2025
Long-Haul Electric Vans
The Hyundai Staria Electric Charges to 80% in 20-Minutes
Child Mobility Concepts
Toyota Unveils a Self-Driving Ev for Children That Challenges Conventions
Solar Timber Residences
The Forest Edge House by Marc Thorpe Uses Off-Grid Systems
Electric Urban Hatchbacks
Volkswagen's 'ID.Polo' Blends Electric Power With Tactile Controls
Sophisticated High-Range EV Sedans
The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Comes in Several Motor Options
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
Sustainable Solar-Powered Homes
Tiny Solar Homes Designs the Wanda Compact Home
Electrically Powered Self-Driving Shuttles
HOLON Taps PTC's Cloud-Based Software Platform
Ultra-Sporty EV Sedans
The 2027 BMW i3 Will Be Built on the Neue Klasse EV Platform
Self-Sufficient Housing Solutions
The 'Hillcrest House' is Entirely Solar-Powered
Sculptural Spatial City Cars
The Volkswagen Numa Concept by Daniil Ostrovski is Futuristic
New Energy Vehicle Concepts
Nebula Next Debuted the Nebula Next 01 Concept at CES 2026
High-Performance Vehicle Concepts
Mazda Debuts the VISION X-COUPE & the VISION X-COMPACT Concepts
Open-Source Self-Driving Tools
OpenPodcar is a Hardware and Software Self-Driving Solution
High Speed-Capable Electric Vehicles
Kia Announces Its High-Performance 'EV 9 GT' Model
Electric Urbanite SUVs
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is Built on the Brand's Dedicated BEV Platform
DIY Solar Oven Guides
Reclaim Design Shows How to Construct a Working Solar Oven for €77.13
Production-Ready Robotic Taxis
Volkswagen Presents its ID. Buzz AD Robotic Taxi Vehicle
Plant-Powered Biological Electricity
Alinti Creates Green Energy from Living Photosynthesis
Shapeshifting Communal EVs
The Kia Concept PV5 and PV7 Have a Projected 2025 Release
Off-Grid Solar-Powered Saunas
Thermasol Introduces Solaris, a Sustainable Sauna Space
Single-Seater Electric Vehicles
The Conceptual YKSI Electric Vehicle is Ultra-Efficient
Video Game-Inspired Vehicles
Hyundai Introduces the New INTEROID EV Influenced by Gaming
Electric Mobility Prototypes
Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1 Prototype Previews Next-Gen Ev Design
Urban Solar Charging Benches
The Perovia Bench Transforms City Streets into Public Charging Hubs
Solar-Powered Compact Houseboats
Crossboundaries Designs the Fàng Sōng Boat with a Solar Panel
Solar Energy Camping Platforms
Electric Outdoors Unveils the EO Canopy Platform
Future Urban Mobility Cars
Volkswagen Numa Concept Imagines Cars as Part of Shared City Life
Subsidized Rooftop Solar Systems
Gujarat Showcases Mass-Scale Home Solar Under Incentive Scheme
Futuristic Angular Luxe Campers
Living Vehicle Designs the CyberTrailer with an Angular Form
Bold Modular Electric Vehicles
The Slate EV is Tailored to Lifestyles with Distinct Body Shapes
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
Home Energy Storage Systems
TCL SunPower Global's New Tech is Scalable and Seamless
Eco Police Vehicle Designs
This Police Car Interior by David Dahlberg is Ultra-Modern
Convertible Commercial RV Vans
Nissan and PlugVan Partnered to Showcase the Plug Module
Artfully DIY-Wrapped Minibuses
Volkswagen Presents the All-Electric ID.Buzz Microbus
Accessibility-Focused Electric Vehicles
The Kia PV5 WAV Pioneers Accessible Electric Mobility
Solar-Powered Desert Stations
Michael Jantzen Unveiled the High Desert Charging Station
Two-Seater Solar-Powered EVs
The Toyota FT-Me Measures in Just Under 100-Inches
Transparent Sphere Vehicles
Toyota Transparent Sphere Vehicle Reimagines Mobilty as Playful Design
Electric Cargo-Hauling Vans
The 'Evolv' is an Ultra-Compact EV with a Large Payload Capacity
70s-Style Four-Door EVs
The New Ford Capri is Built on the Volkswagen MEB Platform
Drone-Equipped Electric SUVs
BYD and DJI Partnered to Put Drone Tech on Vehicles
Self-Driving Electric Cars
Rimac Introduces its First Autonomous Electric Car Brand, Verne
Solar-Powered Door Locks
DESLOC Debuts the "Self-Sustained Perovskite Solar Door Lock"
Electric Sports Car Concepts
Lotus is Designing its 'Theory 1' EV with Three-Seat Design
Smart Mobility Vehicles
The Strutt ev¹ Features Tech Pioneered for Autonomous Cars
Wheelchair-Accessible Electric Vehicles
Motability Operations Delivers Inclusive Auto Design
Inaugural Midsized Electric SUVs
The smart #5 Electric SUV Balances Function and Form
Performance-Driven Slick Auto Models
Kia Spotlighted Three Models at an International Auto Show
Luxury Electric Van Concepts
Mercedes Vision V offers a first-class travel experience on wheels
Tire-Crafted Solar Stills
The Floating Solar Still is an Eco-Friendly Way to Purify Water
Solar Powered Compact Homes
The E55000 Modular Off Grid Home Brings Expandable Living Upfront
Renewable Manufacturing Moves
PVV Infra And ITC Services Expand Advanced Solar And Storage Product
Retailer-Enabled Car Sales
Amazon Autos Allows Consumers to Shop for Their Next Vehicle at Home
Music-Forward Car Events
David Guetta x Porsche Electrify Dubai with High-Octane Sound and Speed
Aviation Powered Cars
The Beast by John Dodd Integrates a 27-Liter Aircraft Engine into a Vehicle
Micro Camper Concept Vans
Toyota Kayoibako-K Envisions Self-Driving Mobile Storefront & Adventure
Electric Public Transportation Expansions
The Higer New V Series Launch in the Phillipines
Solar-Powered TKL Keyboards
Soleil Mechanical TKL Features Hidden Solar Tech and Wood Accents
Solar-Powered Refrigerated Shipping Trucks
These Birds Eye Shipping Trucks Have Roof-Mounted Cells
Hybrid-System Futuristic Hypercar Concepts
The Mercedes-AMG ONE Hypercar is Optimally Engineered
Off-Grid Solar Panel Residences
Florian Busch Architects Designs the House W in Japan
Home-Connected Vehicle Concepts
The Sharp LDK+ Concept Has a Projector and Table Inside
AI-Powered Autonomous Public Transportation
Karsan Automotive is Participating in CES 2026
AI Vehicle Operating Systems
Mercedes Develops AI-Driven Systems That Manage and Evolve Vehicles
Off-Road Hybrid Powertrain Systems
Upfit UTV and OMI Debut the Fusion-Drive for Off-Road Vehicles
Concealed Solar Lighting
The Sula Solar Touch Light Hides Its Solar Technology in Plain Sight
Solar Energy Technology Websites
Sungrow Publicly Launched a Newly Developed International Website
Solar Tribal Homes
Chhattisgarh Links Housing And Rooftop Solar For Tribal Families
Intelligent Cycling Systems
Vanpowers Debuted Its Advanced Smart System for Bikes at CES 2025
Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Partnerships
Toyota and Pepco Join Forces on a New Project
All-Electric Pope Vehicles
Pope Francis Introduces a New Popemobile by Mercedes-Benz
Eco-Friendly Tourist Transportation
Rosie Travel Invests in Fiji's First Electric Tourist Coaches
High-Performance Electric Hypercar Prototypes
Kosmera Presents Two Concept Vehicles at CES 2026
Reactive Solar Motorcycle Visors
This Liquid Crystal Technology Tints Motorcycle Visors
Pre-Production Vehicle Milestones
Faraday Future & Faraday X Mark a Milestone for the FX Super One
Solar-Powered Race Vehicle Innovations
Power Integrations Boasts a Specialized Reference Kit
Electric Sports Car Concepts
Chevrolet's California Corvette Concept Revives West Coast Nostalgia
Inaugural EV-Prototype Race Cars
The ABB NASCAR EV Prototype Was Unveiled at Chicago Street Race
Solar Energy Sculptures
Michael Jantzen’s 16-Arm Moving Sculpture Uses Solar Power and Gravity
Hybrid Portable Battery Chargers
BLUETTI Charger 2 Use Solar & Engine Power for Off-Grid Charging
Electric Van Fleets
SoCalGas Incorporated New Ford E-Transit Electric Vans into Its Fleet
Lightweight Four-Wheeled Bikes
The Acticycle Fuses Elements of a Car and a Bike Together
Electric Rickshaw Pilots
An Eco-Friendly E-Rickshaw Pilot Program Launches in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Shareable Autonomous Vehicle Designs
The Tesla Cybercab Has No Steering Wheel or Pedals
Dystopian Electric Vehicles
UP.FIT Refits Tesla Models Into Cyberpunk Tactile Vehicles
Space Rv Concepts
The Diana‑i Solar Sailer Brings Home Comforts to Interplanetary Travel
Automated Window Shades
Smartwings' Motorized Window Shades Feature Solar-Charged Motors
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.
Futuristic Grand Tourers
Kia Vision Meta Turismo Concept Previews a Bold Direction for Mobility
Solar-Powered Keyboards
The Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ Keyboard Charges from Any Light Source
Sustainable Transportation System Concepts
Xiqiao Wang Designed the Eco-Friendly TREO Concept
Light-Powered Racing Toys
Light’n Race Uses and Teaches Fundamental Physics Principles
Solar Generator-Integrated Backpacks
The Handsfree 2 Backpack by BLUETTI has a Power Station
Transforming Camp Vehicles
Citroën ELO Concept Car Alters into a Mobile Camp with Inflatable Beds
Urban-Focused Vehicle Lines
SOUEAST Showcases Its Broader Travel+ Ecosystem Strategy
Electric Adventure Trailers
Lightship AE.1 Blends Aerodynamic Design and Silent Solar Power
Motor-Powered Diwheels
DIY Diwheel Envisions a Large-Scale Electric Two-Wheeled Vehicle
Grid-Connected Pavilions
Solar Electric Pavilion Powers the Grid and Charges Phones from Its Seats
Lightweight Solar EVs
Aptera Finishes its First Validation-Assembly Solar Vehicle