page_title: Solar vehicle
section_title: Plug-in hybrid and solar vehicles
hierarchical_section_title: Solar vehicle / Electric vehicle with solar assist / Plug-in hybrid and solar vehicles
context_page_description: A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered completely or significantly by direct solar energy. Usually, photovoltaic cells contained in solar panels convert the sun's energy directly into electric energy. The term "solar vehicle" usually implies that solar energy is used to power all or part of a vehicle's propulsion. Solar power may be also used to provide power for communications or controls or other auxiliary functions.
  Solar vehicles are not sold as practical day-to-day transportation devices at present, but are primarily demonstration vehicles and engineering exercises, often sponsored by government agencies. However, indirectly solar-charged vehicles are widespread and solar boats are available commercially.
context_section_description: An interesting variant of the electric vehicle is the triple hybrid vehicle—the PHEV that has solar panels as well to assist.
  The 2010 Toyota Prius model has an option to mount solar panels on the roof. They power a ventilation system while parked to help provide cooling. There are many applications of photovoltaics in transport either for motive power or as auxiliary power units, particularly where fuel, maintenance, emissions or noise requirements preclude internal combustion engines or fuel cells. Due to the limited area available on each vehicle either speed or range or both are limited when used for motive power.
caption: PV used for auxiliary power on a yacht
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