Hyundai and Kia models will be available with a solar roof starting from next year, helping to charge the batteries of it’s eco-focussed model range, including all-electric cars, hybrids and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and SUVs to improve fuel-efficiency.
HYUNDAI AND KIA DEVELOP ‘SOLAR ROOF’
The Korean manufacturing group has announced it’s developing three generations of solar roof charging systems. The first is intended for hybrids and consists of silicon panels fitted to the standard car’s roof, replenishing its batteries by 30 to 60 per cent over a normal day.
The second design is a “world-first application” of semi-transparent solar technology that can be integrated with a panoramic sunroof to let light inside. Designed to top-up the battery of ICE models, Hyundai says this will help them “comply with ever more stringent global environmental laws regulating CO2 emissions.”
Currently undergoing testing, the third solution is being designed for all-electric cars, increasing the amount of energy that can be put into the battery pack, and is applied to the roof and bonnet.
