The concept is still there and we are waiting for the production model. However, the Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept is not coming on streets this year. Back in 2014, we saw a revolutionary car which uses solar panels to supply the battery. With it, the car would depend less on conventional fuel and hybrid system. C-Max is already in advanced stages of electrification, and it is not a surprise why we are seeing this model as a testing mule.
At this moment, we can see the vehicle with hybrid and plug-in variant. Both of them are using modern, advanced features to supply the car with enough power and torque. On the other hand, electrified MPV returns much better fuel economy than its siblings that use petrol or diesel engines. However, the Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept improves it further. With its potential and range, this is going to be a ticket to the future.
Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept Drivetrain
The Ford C-Max Solar Energi uses the power of the sun to regenerate power. It is much more environmental- and fuel-friendly approach than a hybrid and plug-in system. With solar panels on its roof, the concept grabs light that is converted to energy. The special concentrator of light is working as a magnifying glass and redirects it to these panels.
Mileage and Emissions
The Energi concept, in the end, can return pretty much the same performance and specs as its plug-in hybrid sibling. Attesting, the Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept show signs of improving the MPG rating. According to a company, the MPV will be good for 108 MPGe in city drive. Also, when you drive it on highways, it returns 95 MPGe.
Another important moment is the greener nature of this concept. The Ford C-Max Solar Concept will reduce emissions. So far his vehicle is working well on improving its gas release. But now, with solar panel and clean energy, the C-Max will deliver one of the best vehicles in this segment. Ford is working on it together with Georgia Institute of Technology and SunPower Corp.
Future
The Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept is a futuristic platform. It fits into company’s plans for next decade. Well, Ford will launch some electrified vehicles in next five years, and by the end of 2030, most of its fleet will be either hybrids or all-electric models. The Solar Energy Concept goes even further. It uses the unique source of power. However, it is still not so realistic. The expensive development would make this car less economical. Also, its price would be much higher than for EVs or plug-in hybrids.
But, in future, the Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept could come to the production. In the matter of fact, we believe there will be more such platforms. At this point, the most realistic version we saw is Koenigsegg Quant. Other companies also have some kind of solar-powered vehicles, but these are far away from what we can see as production models.
We can also expect other Ford cars and crossovers to implement the same technology. By 2022 the company will launch over 50 vehicles with some sort of electric power. This number is going to raise each year, and we will probably remember the Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept as the pioneer for some future models.