Tesla Model 3

Solar car roofs have generally been the reserve of concepts, experiments and niche carmakers. Now Panasonic has developed a solar photovoltaic car roof for the latest Toyota Prius plug-in, upping the wattage to 180 W from the 50 W roof found on earlier Prius models.

2016 was a big year for the electric vehicle. It saw the much-anticipated Tesla everyman EV, production car-previewing EV concepts from major manufacturers, increased driving ranges, new lightning-quick electric supercars, and a few EV world records.

Tesla has made a point of making EVs exciting, rather than just focusing on the environment. The Model S P90D has won fans with its range and luxurious interior, but most of the people who've driven it come away gawping at how fast it is. Now it's even faster, thanks to the addition of a P100D.

Tesla has a core following with the Roadster and Model S, but March 31 marks the date Elon Musk takes his electric project to a wider audience with the more affordable Model 3. But how did Tesla get here? We've taken a look at some of the things that shaped it along the way.

Details have emerged of a new baby all-electric that Tesla plans to add to its stable. Although we have only been able to confirm a 2017 release date with Tesla, CEO Elon Musk has been quoted as saying that the Tesla Model 3 will be based on a new platform and retail for around US$35,000.