This Cybertruck Is Covered With Flexible Solar Panels at CES, and It's Incredible

This week at CES, one Tesla Cybertruck made an electrifying debut, literally, by sporting an exterior completely wrapped in flexible solar panels. The futuristic design was showcased by Sunflare, a solar panel company specializing in lightweight and adaptable solar technology. Tesla Owners Silicon Valley shared jaw-dropping images of this innovative Cybertruck on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Cybertruck with @FlexibleFuture solar panels at @CES, incredible!!"

The photos immediately sparked conversation, leaving us all with one question: is this the future of electric vehicles, or just a cool CES gimmick?

Well, we know that they do work. Hyundai had solar panels on many model years of the Sonata Hybrid that could add 14,000 miles of electric range over the vehicle's lifetime. 

We wrote about this in 2021, as even then Torque News said that Tesla Cybertruck will have an option for solar panels.

The solar panels on this Tesla Cybertruck by Sunflare are called Solar Car Film. Sunflare says "Solar car film is a new category of products designed for vehicle applications. It combines classic ornamental vehicle film with GIGS cells to create the effect of vehicle cover which effectively protects the car body and prevents scratches caused by daily use. Meanwhile, vehicle film can provide electricity for everyday use. The product, which combines stylish and technology may be customized to fit the specific needs of each client."

The Tech Behind the Solar-Powered Cybertruck

The flexible solar panels on this Cybertruck are designed to integrate seamlessly with its stainless steel body, giving the already futuristic vehicle an even more sci-fi aesthetic. But looks are just part of the story. According to a discussion on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, the solar setup is priced at $10,000. That price reportedly includes a 5kW battery inverter and a 15-year warranty, which is promising for those thinking long-term.

The post raises a lot of intriguing questions. How are these panels connected to the Cybertruck's battery system? Does the energy go directly into charging the main pack, or is there a separate storage system? These details were not disclosed at CES, leaving us to speculate about the efficiency and practicality of the system.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the idea of a solar-powered Cybertruck has made headlines with the Cybertruck. Besides the 2021 headline, which I mentioned above, in 2023 Tesla confirmed that the Cybertruck will have solar panel cover, which according to Elon Musk "can generate 15 miles per day." Then it was said that the solar panels will be offered as an accessory.

What Can Solar Panels Do for the Cybertruck's Range?

Let’s get into the numbers. Flexible solar panels, like the ones showcased, have a theoretical maximum power output of around 1,000 to 1,500 watts (1 to 1.5 kW) under ideal conditions. While this might not seem like much compared to a traditional wall charger or Tesla Supercharger, every bit of energy counts when you're driving an EV like the Cybertruck.

If we assume optimal sunlight conditions for about 6 hours a day, these panels could generate 6 to 9 kWh of electricity. For context, the Cybertruck is expected to have a consumption rate of around 2 miles per kWh. This means the panels could add about 12 to 18 miles of range per day. Not bad for a truck that might spend long hours parked in the sun while its owner is out adventuring or working.

However, these are best-case scenarios. Weather conditions, the angle of the sun, and other variables would significantly affect real-world performance. Still, the idea of trickle-charging your Cybertruck while it's parked in your driveway or at a campsite is undeniably appealing.

Is $10,000 a Fair Price?

The $10,000 price tag for the solar setup includes a 5kW battery inverter, which is key to converting solar energy into usable electricity for the Cybertruck. While some might balk at the cost, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. A 15-year warranty means these panels are designed to last, potentially offsetting charging costs over time and adding a layer of energy independence.

For comparison, a high-quality home solar panel installation with similar generating capacity would cost about $15,000 to $20,000, making this $10,000 add-on seem relatively affordable. Of course, the actual value depends on how much you drive and whether you frequently have access to sunlight.

Here is another video of the CES Cybertruck covered by solar panels.

Walk around of the @FlexibleFuture Cybertruck at @ces

We were told that it has roughly 18% efficiency, will cost around $10k

(The digital camouflage is mostly for esthetics, actual panels will look much more similar to standard panels, see thread) pic.twitter.com/HZfF5Br9UJ
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) January 8, 2025

A Glimpse Into the Future?

This solar-wrapped Cybertruck is more than just an eye-catching display at CES. It’s a potential game-changer for electric vehicles. While we need more details about the system’s integration and real-world performance, it’s clear that pairing EVs with solar technology is a step toward greater sustainability and energy independence. Imagine heading into the wilderness without worrying about finding a charging station or just using the sun to top off your range on your daily commute.

What Do You Think?

We’d love to hear your thoughts.

1. Do you think $10,000 for this solar setup is a reasonable investment for Cybertruck owners?
2. If you owned an EV with solar panels, how would you make the most of its capabilities?

Share your opinions or any relevant experiences in the comments section below. Let’s start a conversation about the future of solar-powered electric vehicles.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.