Solarky SunV

The Solarky SunV, is a compact electric SUV by Chinese company Solarky Mobility Technologies with styling reminiscent of the Suzuki Jimny and a roof-mounted solar array that slides out when parked.

According to the manufacturer, it is the world’s first production vehicle designed to operate primarily on solar energy.

The SunV is powered by a rear-mounted 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor producing 85 Nm of torque. Top speed is limited to 80 km/h.

Energy comes from a 10.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which provides a claimed range of 151 km under the outdated NEDC test cycle. That would translate to roughly 128 km under WLTP standards and around 100 km in real-world driving.

Designed mainly for urban use, the SunV’s modest range is supplemented by its retractable solar panels. When fully extended, they provide a total solar collection area of 3.2 square meters. Under favorable sunny conditions, Solarky claims the panels can generate enough electricity to add approximately 50 km of driving range per day.

The company currently has no plans to introduce the SunV to Europe. Instead, it is targeting markets with abundant sunshine, including South Africa, South America, Thailand, Tanzania, and Indonesia.