Hyundai Motor, a South Korean multinational automotive company, is launching its first-ever car with the solar roof charging system. Its solar roof charging system has made its debut on the new Sonata Hybrid sedan, which is now on sale in South Korea and will soon be sold in North America.
The solar roof system includes the rooftop embedded with silicon solar panels that can gather the Sun’s energy as the vehicle drives or while parked. The automaker claims their solar roof system can charge a car’s battery pack to 30-60% capacity, given six hours of charging per day. It is expected to add an average of 1,300 km (808 mi) of emissions-free driving annually.
Hybrids like the Sonata have smaller battery packs than all-electric cars, so a solar roof can make a bigger difference in charging. According to Hyundai, the solar roof can charge both while the car is stationary and while driving. The solar panel rooftop is meant to be the supporter driving energy needs of the Sonata Hybrid, but not its sole source of energy.
Around a month ago, Lightyear has introduced the world’s first long-range solar car with a similar concept named Lightyear One.
Hyundai is also planning to introduce the technology to other existing models over the next several years with the Sonata Hybrid as the first. In addition, the company says this technology should evolve to include other top surfaces of the car as well, which will move the mobility industry towards a more sustainable future.
For additional information visit the company website.
