Ford announced plans Thursday for a prototype hybrid car that uses solar energy from a rooftop charger, reducing gas use and avoiding the need for plugging into the electric grid.
The auto giant said its C-MAX Solar Energi concept car with a solar-panel roof draws power from a special solar concentrator lens similar to a magnifying glass.
The vehicle, which will be on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, is estimated to reduce annual greenhouse-gas emissions produced by a typical car owner by 4 metric tons.
The new system aims to rev up sales of electric and hybrid vehicles without the plug-in requirement of some current models.
Ford said the system tracks the sun as it moves from east to west, drawing enough power from the solar rays each day to equal a four-hour battery charge.