As Ford and other automakers show their latest tech features at the International Consumer Electronics Show (or CES as it’s commonly called), there’s plenty to get us excited for the future of in-car technology. From advanced infotainment systems to gadgets that will help us stay more safe and comfortable on our journeys, the auto world is often one of the shining stars of an event like this. Ford’s not only showing off its innovative new Sync 3 system at CES, it’s also got an impressive new concept to show off: the Ford C-Max Solar Energi concept. We’ll tell you more about this first-of-its-kind vehicle here.
How does it work? The Ford C-Max Solar Energi concept has a solar panel on its roof, although that’s not quite the extent of how it draws energy. Rather than pulling directly from the sun’s rays, which can be extremely time intensive, the C-Max Solar Energi gets its power through a specially developed concentrator that serves to direct the suns rays to the solar panels located on the roof of the car.
What kind of mileage and range can you expect from a solar-powered car? In the case of the C-Max Solar Energi, you’d be getting and EPA-estimated 108 MPGe in city conditions and 92 MPGe on the highway. The range is comparable to that of a traditional electric C-Max — that is, up to about 620 miles, including 21 electric-only miles.
If for any reason you’d prefer to charge using a plug-in rather than the solar device, that remains an option for you as the C-Max Solar Energi can just as easily be charged with electricity.
What are the benefits? In addition to saving on fuel (that is, not having to buy it) and no longer being bound to whatever the fluctuating gas prices are doing, C-Max Solar Energi owners are expected to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by four metric tons.
The C-Max Solar Energi was displayed at CES this year, and is currently only a concept. We’ll be sure to update you if we get any news about a production model!
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