Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Solar-Powered Cars: New Tech for Daily Mileage
Imagine cars that can get some of their power from the sun!
Several companies are making cars and trucks with solar panels built in or as an add-on.
These panels capture sunlight and use it to charge the car's battery, letting you drive without using a charging station for some of your daily trips.
Companies like Aptera and Telo are leading the way.
Aptera's car can get up to 40 miles of range a day just from the sun, while Telo offers solar panels for their mini trucks.
Even some companies are making solar panels you can add to existing electric cars.
These new technologies could mean big savings for drivers in the future, especially in sunny areas.
Aptera Motors is developing a solar-powered car with a potential range of up to 40 miles per day from the sun.
Telo Trucks is offering solar panels as an option for its electric mini truck.
DartSolar is creating aftermarket solar panels for existing electric vehicles.
The key advancements are in EV efficiency and power electronics, not just solar panel improvement.
Solar panels are designed to withstand impacts, similar to smartphone glass.
- Who
- Several startups like Aptera Motors and Telo Trucks
- What
- Developing and selling solar-powered vehicles and aftermarket solar panel solutions.
- When
- Aptera poised to ship next year.
- Where
- California-based companies
- Why
- To provide vehicles that can utilize solar energy for daily mileage.
- Aptera Car Price
- $40,000
- Aptera Range (Sun)
- 15-40 miles/day
- Telo Truck Price
- Just over $41,000
- Telo Solar Panel Upgrade
- $1,500-$2,700
- DartSolar Small Panel Price
- ~$1,000
- DartSolar Large Panel Price
- ~$4,000