Ford has announced plans to unveil the C-MAX Solar Energi concept equipped with a solar roof panel and is estimated to reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable power.

Breakthrough clean technology

The Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept which will be on display at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas, is a plug-in hybrid with a battery pack that can be charged not only from an electrical outlet but also from the sun’s power.

A first of its kind, the sun-powered concept uses a specially developed concentrator which acts like a magnifying glass to direct the sun’s rays to the solar panels mounted on the vehicle’s roof.

According to Ford, a day of charging in the sunshine will give the C-Max Solar Energi concept the same full charge as in the conventional C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid, with a total range of 998 km – 34 of which can be run on electric power alone.

The 2014 Ford C-MAX Solar Energi concept is the result of a collaboration between Ford, SunPower Corp. and Georgia Institute of Technology.

“Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept shines a new light on electric transportation and renewable energy,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford global director of vehicle electrification and infrastructure.

“As an innovation leader, we want to further the public dialog about the art of the possible in moving the world toward a cleaner future.”

Ford hasn’t mentioned what it would cost to add the panels, but plans to show the concept during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week. After that, it will begin real-world testing to determine production feasibility.

Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept gallery