Solar Powered

When we looked at the Pol Lux earlier this year, it was still in the rendering stages. The unique solar-electric RV catamaran is now being tested and showcased on the water. It promises to be an exciting new way to enjoy the water all day and night.

We've been following an automotive startup's journey to get its three-wheeled solar-electric vehicle on the road for more than 15 years, and now the latest teardrop-shaped Aptera prototype has made its public debut in San Diego.

Why design robots from scratch when nature has already done the hard work for us? That’s the reasoning behind cyborg insects, and now scientists have found a way to power remote-controlled cyborg cockroaches using custom solar cells.

Sporting brand adidas has become the latest company to employ Powerfoyle solar-charging technology to keep the wireless music playing. The RPT-02 SOL wireless headphones have also been made using post-consumer recycled plastic.

Australian firm Kennon has revealed plans for an ambitious new project in Melbourne. Named 550 Spencer, the eight-story office building will produce more electricity than it requires using a cutting-edge solar facade made up of 1,182 solar panels.

After building 37 series-validation prototypes and kicking off a comprehensive testing program, Sono Motors has now revealed the final production design for the upcoming Sion solar-electric passenger car, plus a solar add-on kit for fleets of buses.

Dutch company Lightyear has unveiled what it claims is the world's first production-ready solar car. The Lightyear 0 is a family sedan with 5 sq m (53.8 sq ft) of solar panels built in, capable of generating up to 70 km of charge-free driving a day.

Following a number of technical setbacks, the Mayflower autonomous research vessel has successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, clocking up 3,500 miles and arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 5.

Zaha Hadid Architects has turned its design expertise to the exclusive world of luxury yachts, with a new catamaran named the Oneiric. It's hailed as Italian shipbuilder Rossinavi's green technology flagship, and could run fully from solar power.

When Squad Mobility announced plans for a solar-electric city car in 2019, it had only renderings and promises. This week, it revealed the completed Squad, an evolved microcar that still maintains its simple, highly affordable solarized design.

When Sono Motors introduced a prototype of its Sion solar-electric family car at CES 2021, the company also showed a huge semi-truck solar trailer. Now that idea is taking to the streets, but in the shape of a passenger-carrying trailer bus.

German automotive startup Sono Motors has announced that 37 series-validation prototypes are being produced to take the Sion solar electric family car through validation and certification, ahead of planned series production in 2023.