Ford C-Max Solar Energi Uses the Sun to Add Range

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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is bringing a solar cell equipped version of the C-Max EnergiFord C-Max EnergiUnited Kingdom, 2012 > present4 photos
for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The concept called the C-Max Solar Energi Concept adds solar cells along the length of the roof to work in concert with the car’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. The solar cells have a lens mounted on top of them that acts like a magnifying glass to increase the power output from the cells. Ford claims that the solar cell provides the same amount of power in a day that would fully charge a C-Max Energi of four hours of being plugged in to a conventional outlet.

The solar cell has not impact on range and has the same 620-mile range as a C-Max Energi. It will run 21 miles on pure electric power

“Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept shines a new light on electric transportation and renewable energy,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford’s head of electrification and infrastructure.

Ford says that it will test the C-Max Solar Energi to see if it is feasible for production. In theory, the cell would constantly be adding to the car’s range as it drove, as long as the sun was out.