Ford’s unveils new solar-powered concept car

Ford’s new C-MAX Solar Energi Concept uses solar panels to charge its lithium-ion battery in about six to seven hours, removing the need for charging station, so long as there’s sunlight. The concept so far only manages a range of about 21 miles but has a gas engine for backup, and you can still use a charging station.

Ford has a new car that comes equipped with a 16-square-foot solar panel, allowing drivers to harness the power of the sun before cruising down Pacific Coast Highway. The C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is by no means a conventional car, but Ford is trying to think beyond the current electric market, which currently relies on specialty charging stations. Those are all well and good, but when one isn’t around, what’s a driver to do? Ford’s new technology, which was developed with the help of Silicon Valley’s SunPower, hopes to address that. Unfortunately, since this is merely a concept, the design isn’t perfect just yet.