Ford Motor Company on Thursday ( 01/02/2014 ) , introduced the " C - MAX Solar Energy Concept " , the first car with a roof panel of solar cells to recharge batteries used as a source of energy driving .
C - MAX is a compact MPV , one of several models of Ford , is now sold as a plug-in hybrid cars or plug -in electric vehicle ( PHEV ) . In this way , to obtain energy , the C - MAX Energy will no longer rely on electrical power from the charging station or grid point , but instead utilize renewable energy truly environmentally friendly .
concentrator
To obtain the solar energy , Ford collaborated with SunPower of San Jose , California , and Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta . The latest technology used is a special concentrator works like a magnifying glass , to direct the light intensity of solar panels on the roof of the car .
In this way , the car can take advantage of the sunlight that has the same ability to fill the grid electricity from the wall socket or charging station at home . " Ford C - MAX Concept Solar Energy gave new hope to the electric cars and renewable energy , " said Mike Tinskey , Ford's Global Director for Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure .
Further, SunPower are developing solar panels with efficient has partnered with Ford since 2011. The Georgia Institute of Technology are included to support the acceleration of a battery charging via solar panels , according to the needs of everyday car users .
This last institution to develop concentrator sunlight using special-order Fresnel lens can direct sunlight onto the solar cells , while increasing the strength of the sun to eight times .
Fresnel is a compact lens , which was originally developed to illuminate the building . Devices that use concepts like the magnifying glass is awaiting patent .
The system can track the sun as it moves from east to west . Next, he pulled through concentrator solar energy , which can fully charge the battery for 4 hours ( 8 kW ) , together with a full charge through the grid or power outlet in the home .
C - MAX PHEV Energy itself now can be used for distance 992 miles with the gas tank filled, including 33 km ( 21 mi ) for electricity alone . Especially for the C - MAX Energy Concept , the car still has the charging cable that plugs into an outlet at home or at a charging station grid .
C - MAX Solar Energy Concept will be showcased at CES 2014 , Las Vegas , which starts next week . Furthermore , Ford and Georgia Institute of Technology will conduct tests with multiple cars on actual conditions , to determine whether this technology could be commercially produced .
sale
Ford , the number two producer in the United States , last year hopes to sell 85,000 hybrid cars , PHEV and electric cars . Last year also , and for a full year , for the first time , Ford dealers provide 6 new electric car .
Ford also claims the C - MAX PHEV Energy last November sold 6,300 more units . In October and November 2013 , sales of the C - MAX PHEV more than Toyota and Tesla pure electric cars . Even for 11 months in 2013 , sales have passed Toyota Prius rely .
