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Since many people are turning to renewable energy, it’s no surprise that companies are now manufacturing solar-powered cars. Solar-powered EVs are electric vehicles with solar cells, which are used to power the car. These cars have a rechargeable battery, which stores solar energy to ensure the car runs smoothly even at night.

Besides helping you avoid high gas prices, these vehicles prevent environmental and noise pollution. Many companies have joined the race to manufacture solar-powered cars, so expect more vehicles by 2027. In the meantime, here are seven solar-powered EVs you can buy today.

  • Best Overall: Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX
  • Best Horsepower Output: Fisker Ocean
  • Highest Top Speed: Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • Best Driving Range: Aptera Sol
  • Least Charge Consumption: Lightyear 0
  • Cheapest Solar-Powered EV: Sono Motors Sion
  • Best for Off-Road Driving: Wolfgang Thundertruck

Best Overall: Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX

You should always expect a high-quality car if Mercedes is involved. The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is the best overall solar-powered electric car you can buy today.

So, what makes this car unique? The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX has an outstanding exterior design. This is a sporty car, and you can be certain that you will look cool driving it. It also has sleek wheels with unique rims, giving it a sports aura.

For the interior, expect a large 47.5 inches LED backlight screen and comfortable chairs. The backlight screen has real-time navigation software, which is key to the car’s navigation. This car also has a voice control system, which uses artificial intelligence software.

What is the driving experience? This Mercedes wasn’t built for speed but for efficiency. The car has 200 horsepower, which isn’t a lot when looking at its weight. However, it has an instant throttle response feature, making it a fast car when driving it.

The car has good steering, which is light and firm compared to other vehicles on the road. With the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX, you will get a 100kWh battery pack, giving you a driving range of 620 miles.

However, one of the car’s primary features is its 117-cell solar panel roof, which provides the vehicle with an extra driving range of 15 miles. Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX pricing starts at $104,400 if you want to acquire it.

Best Horsepower Output: Fisker Ocean

solar-powered evs
Fisker Ocean is an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) with an estimated range of 300–350 miles.

©betto rodrigues/Shutterstock.com

Fisker Inc. is behind the Fisker Ocean, a solar-powered electric SUV. This car is on this list because it has the best horsepower output. The Fisker Ocean’s exterior design makes it a must-have car. The exterior gives this car a sporty vibe, and you can choose your preferred color. For the wheels, the vehicle has 22 inches of SlipStream wheels and a wheelbase of 115 inches.

For the interior design, this car has comfortable and spacious seats. They are soft and smooth, and one can customize them to their preferred taste. Other notable features include a screen display, wireless charging, and cup holders.

One thing that makes this solar-powered electric car unique is that it has various safety features. For instance, the vehicle has automatic emergency braking, a parking assistant, driver attention warning, traffic sign and traffic light identification, as well as blind-spot monitoring.

For the driving experience, you can acquire a 275-horsepower output or a 540-horsepower output. For the 540-horsepower output, the car accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 3.9 seconds.

The Fisker Ocean has an estimated battery size of 100kWh, giving it a driving range of 340 miles. However, this electric car has solar panels mounted on its roof. Under normal conditions, the solar panel provides the vehicle with 2,000 extra miles per year.

The Fisker Ocean has many unique features that make it stand out from other electric SUVs. It has a modern interior design and is an all-wheel drive car. It also has a long-range battery and solar panels that give you a higher driving range. So, if you like this 540-horsepower vehicle, you will have to acquire it for $49,999.

Highest Top Speed: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Kia EV6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a fast-charging EV with a fantastic range.

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You should go for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 if you are looking for a high-speed, solar-powered electric vehicle. Hyundai is the parent company behind the Ioniq 5, a fantastic new-era electric car.

As for the exterior, the car has an overall sleek design with unique wheels and rims. However, most of the attention was placed on the car’s interior design. This solar-powered electric car has a 12.3-inch screen display, which controls the vehicle’s navigation system and other functions.

Other technological features inside the car include Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and Android Auto. The car also has comfortable leather seats that are adjustable and customizable based on the client’s specifications.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also has other notable safety features. For instance, the vehicle has automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. One thing that makes this car unique is that it has a semi-autonomous drive mode feature. For example, when driving on the highway, the car can change lanes without human intervention.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-wheel drive car with a maximum speed of 115mph and accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds. For the battery, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a battery capacity of 72.6 kWh, which produces 225 kWh of power.

It gives you a driving range of 300 miles. However, there are solar panels on the car’s rooftop, which extend the car’s driving range to 3 miles per day. Hyundai is constantly updating the Ioniq 5, so you should look for the updated version. Nevertheless, you can acquire this car for $42,745.

Best Driving Range: Aptera Sol

Aptera Motors is the company behind Aptera Sol. This solar-powered electric car is different from other vehicles because it’s three-wheeled. However, this is the right car to acquire when looking for a solar-powered vehicle with a high driving range.

The car has four wheels and a sharply pointed front for the exterior design. Its wheels are covered, so you cannot determine the wheelbase and thickness. The car’s interior only has two seats, so you can only carry one passenger.

One of the unique features inside the car includes a large screen display that controls the car’s navigation system, stereo, and other connections, such as Bluetooth. For the driving experience, this vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 3.5 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 100mph.

For the battery, this solar-powered electric car has a capacity of 100kWh, giving it a driving range of 1,000 miles. The main reason why this car has a high driving range is that it has solar panels on its exterior, which provide the vehicle with 45 miles of driving range every day. The Aptera Sol is the perfect solo electric vehicle, and it will cost you $46,000 to acquire.

Least Charge Consumption: Lightyear 0

Lightyear is the primary manufacturer behind Lightyear 0. This is a solar-powered electric car with the least charge consumption. For the exterior design, the car has a sporty design, making it unique. Looking at the rims, this is a must-have car because they are sleek, and you will look cool driving it.

This car also has a good interior design. For example, you will likely enjoy its light and flexible steering wheel. The car also has a large screen display, which the driver uses to control the car’s stereo and navigation system. The seats are also comfortable and can be customized based on someone’s preferences.

For the driving experience, Lightyear 0 is a slow car. The car accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 10 seconds and has a maximum speed of 93 mph. For the battery capacity, this car has a 60kWh battery, giving it a driving range of 395 miles.

One of the reasons this car has a high driving range is because it has a lower charge consumption. This solar-powered electric car consumes 83Wh/km, which is three times lower than other electric cars in the market.

Another reason this car has a high driving range is that it has a 200-watt solar panel roof, giving it 1.5 miles of driving range per day. This car’s starting cost is $175,000 for those who want to acquire it.

Cheapest Solar-Powered EV: Sono Motors Sion

You should consider Sono Motors Sion for the cheapest solar-powered electric car. Sono Motors manufactures this electric car, and you can acquire it for $25,000. For the exterior design, this electric car is the typical four-seater vehicle. However, it has a sleek interior.

You will get a 10-inch touchscreen display. The vehicle has other internal features, such as Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, climate control, charging and discharging control, and Android Auto Integrations.

For the driving experience, this solar-powered electric car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds. This car has a maximum speed of 87 mph. For the battery capacity, this car has a 54kWh battery capacity, giving it a driving range of 190 miles.

However, the Sion has solar panels on the roof. It has 456 half-cells of solar panels, which increase the car’s driving range to 152 miles per week. This car’s charging time is also low. For instance, it takes 35 minutes to charge this car to full capacity. Consider the Sono Motors Sion if you are looking for a cheaper electric car.

Best For Off-Road Driving: Wolfgang Thundertruck

Wolfgang is the parent company behind the Wolfgang Thundertruck. This solar-powered electric car is specifically designed for off-road driving. You can choose between the 4×4 or 6×6 truck with wing-shaped solar panels.

This car’s wheels are also designed to handle rough roads containing sand and rocks. For the interior, the vehicle has a large touchscreen display that you can use to control various car features, such as stereo and Bluetooth. This car has an 800-horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

It’s also powerful since it has an 800 lb-ft torque, making it ideal for carrying heavy goods. For the battery capacity, this car has a 180kWh battery, giving it a driving range of 400 miles. The car’s high driving range is also due to the solar panels located on the vehicle’s rooftop. For those interested in this vehicle, the car’s starting price is $70,000.

7 Solar-Powered EVs You Can Buy Today FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the average price of a solar-powered EV?

The average price of a solar-powered EV is $25,000. This price is lower than that of the other electric cars on the market today. Some solar-powered EVs also have a higher driving range than other electric vehicles.

Buying solar-powered EVs is a bargain considering they offer relatively more driving range. Don’t hesitate to acquire these cars because their batteries can store solar energy, allowing you to drive them even at night.

How many solar panels do most solar cars have?

Most solar-powered EVs have approximately 12 solar panels, sufficient for your recharging needs. Ultimately, this gives you a more extended driving range, especially on sunny days.

Do solar-powered EVs charge when someone is driving?

Yes, this is the primary concept of most solar-powered EVs. The solar panels on the vehicle’s exterior usually top up the car’s battery life when someone is driving or if they have parked it outside. The main benefit is that you may not need to plug your vehicle into an electric socket for recharging.

Is it better to acquire a solar-powered EV or a typical electric car?

There isn’t a definitive answer to this question, as it comes down to one’s preference. Both cars have amazing features and unique designs. Both have high speeds and higher acceleration, depending on your chosen vehicle.

However, if you are working with limited funds, you should consider getting a solar-powered EV. This car will reduce your utility bills as you can charge it using solar energy.

Can your drive a solar-powered car at night?

Yes, you can drive your solar-powered car even at night. These cars have photovoltaic cells, which can recharge themselves when someone is driving. They also have batteries that store solar energy, making it possible to drive the car at night.

What is the average driving range of a solar-powered electric vehicle?

The average driving range of a solar-powered electric vehicle is 200 miles. However, there are cars on the market that have a more extended driving range.

Do solar-powered cars have fast charging?

Yes, most solar-powered electric cars have fast charging. For instance, you can use a 60kW fast charger, which allows one to charge the vehicle for up to 570km/h.

How much solar power do you need to charge your solar-powered EV?

You will require 4,666kWh of solar energy to power your car. As such, these car manufacturers usually insert several solar panels on the vehicle to ensure they produce sufficient power.

Are the solar panels in cars affected by rain?

No, you shouldn’t worry about your car’s solar panels when driving in the rain. The rain aids in maintaining the solar panels since it cleans off the dirt and dust on them. Ultimately, you don’t have to worry about driving these cars in the rain because their batteries store extra charge for driving.

What are some of the companies that make solar-powered cars?

Sono is one of the most famous companies that manufacture solar-powered electric cars. Other companies that manufacture these vehicles include Aptera Motors and Lightyear.

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