China Develops World's First Photovoltaic-powered Automobiles

    China has developed the world's first photovoltaic roof for automobiles.

    The sun-charged roof assembly powers at 180 watts. Tianjin Automotive Technology and Research Center has tested a vehicle mounted with the roof and confirms it can reach 80-120 km/hour, and deliver a running time of 3.5 hours. The cell components can be used to power other electric equipment in cars, reducing fuel consumption and general load on the engine needed to drive air conditioning, heating and supplemental automotive devices.

    This is also China's first independently developed solar product, a patented technology, and the nation's intellectual property in the field.