A European design firm unveiled SOLARIS—a motorcycle concept exclusively utilizing solar energy via deployable panels for recharging.
While endeavors to build sun-powered automobiles haven’t succeeded, the European studio MASK Architects opted to apply this concept to two-wheeled vehicles. This resulted in SOLARIS—the inaugural conceptual motorcycle designed to draw all its necessary power solely from sunlight.
Its defining feature is a set of extendable panel ‘wings’ that unfold when the bike is parked. This configuration boosts the surface area of the solar collectors by roughly 150%, enabling battery replenishment without plugging into an outlet. Essentially, SOLARIS functions as a “self-sufficient” electric bike, negating the need for charging stations or conventional fuel.
Developers have not specified technical details, though it’s confirmed the model incorporates a lithium-ion battery pack, a solar charge controller, and a real-time energy distribution system. Users can monitor and manage this charging process via a proprietary mobile application.
Furthermore, the motorcycle boasts a high-torque electric motor, regenerative braking capabilities, and an ultralight frame constructed from aluminum and carbon fiber. Nevertheless, the viability of this design is debatable: the elaborate panel mechanism consumes substantial space, appears fragile, and may not be practical for everyday operation.
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