October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

8 Electric Vehicles Featured With Solar Roofs in 2022

The 2022 solar-roof list mixed concepts and planned vehicles. Here’s what its eight entries show—and why solar range estimates need their assumptions.
Entry516 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The eight vehicles in Interesting Engineering’s June 3, 2022, solar-roof roundup ranged from concepts to planned offerings; the list was not a verified ranking or a guide to cars currently for sale. Its entries show how automakers were exploring onboard solar, but a roof’s contribution is supplemental and depends on the vehicle, sunlight and operating conditions.

Which electric vehicles appeared in the 2022 solar-roof roundup?

Interesting Engineering’s June 3, 2022, article named these eight vehicles, in this order. Its reviewed material does not provide a transparent scoring method, so the sequence should not be read as a measured comparison of performance or value.

  1. Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX
  2. Fisker Ocean
  3. Hyundai IONIQ 5
  4. Aptera Sol
  5. Lightyear One
  6. Squad Solar City
  7. Sono Motors Sion
  8. Wolfgang Thundertruck

The roundup presented the Vision EQXX and Thundertruck as concepts. It included the other vehicles as offerings or planned offerings, but inclusion in a 2022 article does not establish that any particular model entered series production or reached customers. Current production status, availability, regional configurations and specifications for these eight entries are not established here. Interesting Engineering’s 2022 roundup is best treated as a historical snapshot.

What does a solar roof do on an electric vehicle?

Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight into electricity. In a vehicle, that energy can support the drive battery, auxiliary systems such as climate control, or both, depending on the design. It supplements the vehicle’s normal energy supply; it is not a substitute for plugging in or a guaranteed source of a particular amount of driving range.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Electric Sunshade Roof for Tesla Model Y 2019-2024
  • 【One-Touch Electric Sunshade for Model Y 2019-2024】Designed specifically for Tesla Model Y 2019-2024, this retractable electric sunshade helps you adjust shade coverage quickly during daily driving, outdoor parking, and hot summer use.
  • 【Straightforward Installation with Reference Guidance 】 The installation process is designed to be simple and practical. With the correct steps and basic tools, setup is easier to complete and more convenient for everyday vehicle upgrades.
  • 【Quiet Motor and Clean Hidden-Wire Look 】 Built with a smooth, quiet motor for reliable opening and closing. The wire routing is designed to stay neatly hidden in the cabin for a cleaner, more integrated appearance.
  • 【Interior-Matching Design with Heat and UV Protection 】 Made to blend naturally with the Model Y interior while helping reduce glare, block strong sunlight, and improve comfort with multi-layer heat-insulating shade material.
  • 【Better Comfort for Commuting, Parking, and Family Trips】 A practical upgrade for work commutes, school runs, road trips, and sunny-day parking. It helps create a cooler, calmer cabin for both drivers and passengers.

Solar integration is not limited to battery-electric vehicles. Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) describes solar systems on both a hybrid and a battery EV. Its review reports that the 2020 Hyundai Sonata HEV’s top-end model had a 205 W roof module with 46 cells that charged its direct-drive battery. The same review says Toyota began selling the bZ4X in 2022 with an optional solar system that charges the drive battery while parked and supplements auxiliary-system consumption while driving. NEDO’s review describes those specific implementations, not the equipment on every vehicle in the 2022 roundup.

How much range can a solar roof add?

There is no single range figure that applies to all solar-roof vehicles. Output depends on the panel system and the sunlight it receives, while a range estimate also depends on how the generated energy is used and the vehicle’s efficiency. Manufacturer projections should be read with their stated assumptions, not as universal daily-range promises.

Rank #2
Solar Car Solar Energy Toys for Ages 2-4 5-7 8-10 Cool Solar Powered Tiny Mini Cars Educational Science Kits for Kids (Black)
  • [Eco Friendly]: By harnessing solar energy, they contribute to energy conservation and reduce the carbon footprint. Not only are these solar car toys fun and engaging, but they also promote environmental sustainability
  • [No Batteries Needed]: Each of solar power cay toys includes a solar power panel that collects solar heat energy into an electric energy drive motor, which drives the gears to make the machine run smoothly. Offers your child practical experiences of working with green technology, let them learn about renewable energy sources and have fun doing it with
  • [Kids Safe]: All pieces of our solar motor kit are made with non-toxic ABS materials for long lasting, safe and ECO-FRIENDLY science educational toys, parts are smooth without raw edge, ensuring kids play safer and reassure parents
  • [Perfect Gifts Toys for Kids]: The solar motor kits are great educational gift for birthday, Children's Day, Christmas, Chanukah, Easter, STEM, summer camp activities, back to school
  • [Note]: The car goes fast when it's in the sun. If the sun is not strong, just push it gently, the car can run

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: a manufacturer estimate with stated sunlight assumptions

Hyundai Motor’s December 2019 announcement for the New Sonata Hybrid estimated an additional 1,300 km of travel per year under an assumption of six hours of solar charging each day. In a January 2020 technical explainer, Hyundai Motor Group described the Sonata Hybrid panel capacity as approximately 204 W, reported 22.8% cell efficiency, and said its annual-distance calculation used an average of 5.8 sunshine hours per day in Korea. NEDO separately reports a 205 W module for the 2020 Sonata HEV top-end model. These are figures for the Sonata implementation, reported by different sources; they should not be treated as specifications or results for the eight vehicles as a group. Hyundai Motor’s 2019 announcement and Hyundai Motor Group’s technical explainer give the respective estimates and assumptions.

Sono Sion: projected contribution, not an independent road test

Sono Motors’ 2022 production-design release described 456 integrated solar half-cells in the Sion’s exterior shell. The company projected that solar generation would add an average of 112 km per week, and up to 245 km per week, to the estimated range of a planned 54 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Those were company projections, not independently measured road-test results. Sono Motors’ production-design announcement sets out the figures.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
SUMK 2026 Upgrade Sunshade Roof for Tesla Model Y Juniper, [Graphene Infused Fabric & UPF 50+ & No-Sag] 1:1 Fit Heat Insulation Sunroof Cover for Tesla Model Y Accessories 2025 2026, Black, 2PCS
  • 【Vehicle Model】 Specially design for Tesla Model Y Juniper 2025-2026 (Premium/ Performance)
  • 【Graphene Material, 2026 Upgrade】Experience the pinnacle of thermal insulation with 2026 cutting-edge Graphene material. Engineered with superior heat absorption and dissipation properties, this model y juniper sunshade acts as a formidable barrier against external heat waves. It effectively blocks infrared rays from entering the cabin, ensuring your Tesla Model Y Juniper stays significantly cooler even under the harshest sun, reducing the "greenhouse effect" inside your vehicle
  • 【99.99% Total Blockout & UV Protection】Achieve absolute darkness and maximum protection with our precision-engineered sunshade. It provides a near-perfect 99.99% sun-block rate, creating a pitch-black environment that prevents any light from penetrating the panoramic glass roof. This total blockout capability also means blocking up to 99% of harmful UVA/UVB rays, protecting your skin and preserving the pristine condition of your vehicle's interior from sun damage
  • 【Instant Cool & Preserve Interior】By dramatically lowering the internal temperature, this sunshade helps prevent premium dashboard, seats, and trim from premature aging, cracking, and fading caused by prolonged sun exposure. Furthermore, by minimizing heat buildup, it significantly reduces the release of potentially harmful gas from overheated interior materials, promoting a healthier and safer cabin environment for you and your family
  • 【Flush-Fit & No Light Leaks】Designed with 1:1 precision laser-scanning technology specifically for the Tesla Model Y Juniper, this sunshade integrates seamlessly with your panoramic roof. The custom-tailored fit ensures the edges sit flush against the glass, creating a seamless integration that effectively prevents light leaks (Note: A small gap at the clip fastener is normal)

The Sonata and Sion figures are not directly comparable: they concern different vehicles and use different assumptions, locations and forms of estimate. Neither establishes what a driver of another solar-equipped vehicle should expect.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to read the list as a comparison

A useful comparison would need more than a solar-roof label. For each vehicle, readers would need confirmed information about its maturity, the extent of its solar integration, what the system powers, the estimate’s assumptions, and the markets or trims where the equipment was offered. The 2022 roundup names the vehicles, but the evidence cited above does not establish all of those details for every entry. Avoid inferring a model’s production status or solar performance from its place in the list.

Rank #4
Solar Car Kit, 2-Pack - Build 2 Solar Powered Wooden STEM Cars
  • Solar-Powered Car STEM Project: Students build wooden cars powered by a solar cell, observing how solar energy converts to motion. Designed for classrooms, after-school programs, and STEM clubs.
  • Complete Supplies for 2 Builds: Includes 2 individual solar powered car kits. Ideal for teachers, schools, and parents organizing STEM projects for kids ages 8 and up. All materials are pre-counted and ready to distribute — no additional supplies required.
  • Renewable Energy Concepts in Action: Students directly observe how energy, solar energy generates electricity to power a motor and drive the car. Supports structured engineering design challenges.
  • Clear Instructions for Independent Work: Step-by-step guide allows students to build and test with minimal teacher intervention. Manageable for one instructor with a full class.
  • Durable Wooden Construction: Wooden car body and quality components are built to withstand classroom assembly and repeated testing. Consistent build quality ensures reliable results.

The concrete examples do establish that vehicle PV can be configured differently: NEDO describes a Sonata HEV roof module charging a drive battery, and a bZ4X system charging the drive battery when parked while supporting auxiliary use on the move. That distinction matters when assessing claims about “solar charging”—the phrase alone does not tell you which battery or loads receive the energy.

Best Value
Sunroof Decal for Car Effective Heat Control,Stylish Window Privacy Film with Honeycomb Design,Daytime One Way Windshield Sun Shade for Car Sunroof to Block Glare
  • Cut-to-Size with Included Tools: This car window tint measures about 39.37×16.93 inches and can be trimmed to fit your sunroof or window. A craft knife and squeegee are included in the package, giving you the essentials for a precise cut and a smooth, bubble-free application
  • Effective Heat and Sun Blocking: The one way window film significantly reduces incoming solar heat and softens harsh glare. It helps keep the cabin cooler on sunny days and lowers the load on air conditioning, making drives more comfortable while also protecting the interior from fading
  • One-Way Privacy with Honeycomb Design: Thanks to its honeycomb structure, this car tint delivers clear outward visibility while blocking the view from outside during the daytime. It shields your cabin from prying eyes without darkening the glass too much or interfering with your view of the road ahead
  • Versatile for Multiple Settings: Beyond car windows and sunroofs, these car tints for window can be applied to home glass doors, office partitions, bathroom windows, and more. They offer an easy way to add privacy and heat rejection to various spaces without permanent modifications
  • Simple Installation Process: Installing this window tint film is simple: clean the sunroof glass thoroughly, peel off the backing layer, align the film with the glass, and press it into place. Any small air bubbles can be smoothed out with the included squeegee for a neat finish

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date05 OCT 26Time4 minCan Kia's EVs Become Swiss Army Knives for Family Adventure?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.