How solar power could make the future of electric mobility even brighter
The latest concept in this field comes from Indonesia, where designer Fajar Ismail has come up with a curious little electric motorcycle incorporating a solar panel. Called Stellar Landcraft, this project is heavily inspired by the Atom Alpha, made by Indonesian manufacturer Quest Motors, to which the designer added an Ohlins suspension system, a new seat, and a screen on which the rider will find all the useful information concerning the battery charge level.
Installed just in front of the seat, right where the fuel cap is usually located on a “classic” motorcycle, a small solar panel allows the bike to charge continuously while parked outside. Even while riding, it continues to store energy.
For the moment, this is only a graphic designer’s fantasy, but the idea of solar energy as a power source for electric vehicles is gaining ground. It is, for example, already happening at Hyundai, which has installed a solar roof on its Sonata, but also in the city of Munich, which is currently experimenting with buses equipped with a solar roof. Meanwhile, a Canadian startup has developed small autonomous boats equipped with solar panels.
