Is New Solar-Powered Ford a Game Changer?

Though their lack of emissions is admirable, the knock on electric vehicles is that their power is likely derived from dirty sources. Could a new solar-powered car unveiled by Ford kick-start the era of renewable energy-powered transportation?

1 minute read

January 6, 2014, 5:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Ariel Schwartz reports on Ford's new C-MAX Solar Energi Concept, which was unveiled last week. The concept vehicle is "a version of the C-MAX plug-in hybrid that's outfitted with 16 square feet of photovoltaic panels on its roof. The vehicle, which takes six to seven hours to charge fully, can run on solar energy for 21 miles before switching to gasoline." 

Though the car's lengthy charging period and limited range limit its practicality, there's reason to be optimistic. "In theory, there are a few advantages compared to traditional plug-in electric vehicles," Schwartz explains. "Solar-powered cars are cheaper, since they don't require costly power from utilities, and they are guaranteed to be powered by 100% renewable energy."

In an article in the San Francisco ChronicleJohn O'Dell, senior editor for the Edmunds.com auto information website, was circumspect in his analysis: "It sounds like an interesting experiment. I'm not sure it has much real-world application."

Thanks to Irvin Dawid

Friday, January 3, 2014 in Fast Company Co.Exist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

People biking along beach path with moored ship in San Diego, California.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan

The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

May 2 - SD News

Sleeping in Public

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts

Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

May 2 - KSL

Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

May 2 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO