Scania

Funded by Vinnova and Scania, this research project is developing a solar-powered hybrid truck with a 560-horsepower plug-in hybrid and 18m trailer covered with 100 sqm solar panels. Expected to reduce emissions and sell electricity to the grid, the truck is being tested by Ernsts Express AB.

Automakers have been playing with solar panels on autos for decades now. In sunny places, on ultra-lightweight, aerodynamic autos covered in them, solar cells can supply propulsion for long periods of time. But on manufacturing automobiles that have security, comfort and styling factors to consider, there are limitations to what solar panels can do.