The idea of a solar-powered car is nothing new, but building one affordably is.
The reason is in the way solar cells have historically been manufactured and integrated into the body of a vehicle. In the past, solar cells could really only line the roof and be put under glass – an expensive, heavy and relatively unsafe way to roll. But Sono Motors, through thorough R&D and about 30 patents, took a different approach, integrating solar wafers into polymer. That means the company has more flexibility into where the solar panels can be integrated, and how.
Watch the video above to hear from Thomas Hausch, Sono Motors COO, during a recent media event in Detroit about how the company is utilizing its proprietary solar cell technology to manufacture a solar-powered car with a target price tag under $25k.
