Hanergy Plans Solar-Powered Electric Car Prototypes for 2015
Chinese solar panel giant Hanergy says it will unveil up to five solar-powered electric vehicle prototypes by October, though details remain tightly guarded.
Hanergy Thin Film Power Group, a leading Chinese solar panel manufacturer, has announced plans to introduce up to five concept electric vehicles powered by solar panels, aiming for a debut as early as October 2015. The company has released few technical details about the vehicles, fuelling speculation and scepticism within the industry about whether solar-only propulsion is feasible with current technology.
Chairman Li Hejun confirmed earlier in the year that Hanergy was working with partners and suppliers to develop these vehicles, but the company has not named any collaborators or released specifications. The lack of detail has prompted analysts to question the likelihood of a fully solar-powered car reaching production soon. Integration of solar panels into electric vehicles is not new, but using solar cells as the sole energy source for propulsion presents major challenges in terms of energy density and efficiency.
Recent announcements from Hanergy focused on supplying its thin-film solar panels for auxiliary systems on recreational vehicles, buses and catering trucks in China. These deals are seen as more practical applications of the company’s technology, supporting power-hungry systems such as lighting or air conditioning rather than vehicle propulsion itself.
Industry scepticism over solar-only cars
Industry analysts have pointed out that while selling solar panels for integration into commercial vehicles is a logical extension of Hanergy’s business, developing a roadworthy car powered entirely by solar energy is a much greater technical leap. As of mid-2015, no mainstream manufacturer has produced a commercially viable passenger car running solely on solar power. Most solar-assisted vehicles rely on panels to extend range or power secondary systems rather than replace batteries or charging infrastructure.
Hanergy’s ambitions have attracted investor attention, with the company’s Hong Kong-listed shares surging over the past year. The company’s claims of imminent prototype debuts have yet to be backed by independent verification or detailed disclosures. For now, Hanergy’s solar-powered car project remains a closely guarded mystery, with the market waiting to see if the prototypes materialise and how far they can travel on sunlight alone.
