Solar Panels in Cars Still Creeping Along

Back at the Detroit auto show, our own David Thomas was impressed by the Toyota A-Bat’s conceptual use of solar panels in the dash. The idea, as Toyota explained it, was to eventually use the solar panels to power the radio, air conditioner and other panel electronics. Unfortunately, the A-Bat remains a concept. Fortunately, solar panels in cars are getting closer to becoming a reality.

Wyoming-based Brunton is planning to develop 3-foot by 4-foot panels designed to jumpstart a car when the battery is dead. The next step — which Brunton, presumably, is yet to begin designing — is the solar panel that powers front electronics, just like the A-Bat promised.

After that, who knows: Maybe someone will power an engine with nothing but solar energy. The sky’s the limit!

OK, maybe not. But the sun has to be good for something, right?

Solar Panels Coming Soon to an Auto Parts Store Near You (Jalopnik)