Toyota Consortium Advances Lightweight Solar-Powered EV for Urban Mobility

Two innovative solar-powered electric vehicle projects are advancing urban and last-mile mobility solutions with sustainability at their core. Toyota Manufacturing UK leads a consortium developing a lightweight, two-seater EV with vehicle-integrated solar panel roofs that could extend driving range by up to 20%, supported by £15 million in UK government funding to explore eco-friendly materials and digital connectivity for urban commuting. Meanwhile, Tunisian startup Bako Motors is producing compact solar-equipped EVs like the Bee and B-Van, designed for city travel and cargo delivery, with solar panels providing significant free energy and sourcing over 40% of parts locally to boost regional manufacturing. Both initiatives illustrate a growing global trend toward solar-integrated micro vehicles aimed at reducing dependency on grid electricity, which often relies on fossil fuels. These projects, along with similar European efforts, underscore expanding interest in leveraging solar energy to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of small electric vehicles worldwide.