Let us introduce you to theSQUAD Solar City Car, a new vehicle launched this week in the Netherlands.
According to the company, its compact, but offers room for two (tall) people plus luggage.
The battery-powered vehicle offers a 62-mile (100km)rangeand has a removable battery.
This makes sense considering SQUADs solar capabilities.
A Solar car… in the Netherlands?
The SQUAD comes with a solar panel on its roof.
The solar panel can charge up to 12 miles (20 km) per day in Europe.
It even works in any light and even in the shade.
Parking the SQUAD is a breeze
Perhaps the SQUAD Solar City Cars biggest strength is parking.
In fact, according to the company, three SQUADS can easily park in a single car spot.
There will be no parking fees in most cities, no road tax, and no congestion charge.
But is it safe?
The vehicle is safer than it might appear.
It comes with a legally required roll cage and full front and rear crash structure.
Is the SQUAD legal?
Regardingvehicle classification, the vehicle sits at L6e.
Thelight electric vehiclefalls under the same regulations as cars like theOpel Rocks Eand theRenault Twizy 45.
Age limits for drivers vary from 14 and 18 years in different European countries.
But in the UK?
Unfortunately, youll need a drivers license.
Overall, its exciting to see another company focusing on solar electric vehicle manufacturing.
It makes a lot of sense for short trips and as a way of extending its range.
It also looks like a hell of a lot of fun at an affordable price.
The option of fleets of SQUADS sounds appealing, especially for tourist sightseeing.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
