VIDEO: Solar electric car harnesses Las Vegas sunshine, tops off at Starbucks

Some experts believe pure electric cars are the future of the auto industry while others say it will be a combination of gas and electricity, but what about a combination of solar energy and electricity?

Well, not only is it possible, it is already in practice according to a report from CBS affiliate KLAS Ch. 8 News of Las Vegas. A local woman who owns a ZAP Xebra solar electric sedan charges up her car with the help of rooftop solar panel.

Quite a few US drivers over the past two years have purchased the Xebra Xero, a city-speed electric car with an optional rooftop solar panel that will provide additional charging while the car is parked in bright sunlight. Many see the solar electric vehicle (SEV) as a green answer to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or extended range electric vehicle (EREV), which use a combination of gas and electricity.

The solar panel can get you a couple of free miles per day if parked in bright sunlight, but the main charge comes from plugging in. We have already heard of people with solar homes charging their electric cars off-the-grid.

Las Vegas also installed its first public charging station, a project sponsored by EV Charge America. Popping up in many places around the world, charging stations like this will allow electric car drivers to subscribe to a service and use a personalized card to activate the charging station.

There was no clear link in the news report between the solar-electric ZAP vehicle and the charging station. When asked where she plugged in, the Xebra owner said she can drive across town in the time it takes to plug in and have a coffee at Starbucks.

LINKS:

- Customer Letters
- Charge your Electric Car for Free with your Solar Home
- Candidate running on 100% electricity