Video summary

this is the worlds cheapest SOLAR CAR

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Main idea / product overview

  • The video reviews the Salaki Sun V, described as possibly the world’s cheapest solar-powered car, priced around $8,000.
  • It targets markets where EVs are otherwise expensive (e.g., Thailand, Indonesia, Tanzania) and focuses on the budget end of mobility.

Why the solar concept is argued to work here

The creator notes earlier solar EV efforts (explicitly mentioning Lightyear 1) failed, but argues this car is better suited to real use because:

  • It’s designed as a “grazing” car: short city trips and parking opportunities where the solar roof can top up the battery during daytime.
  • The key is a small battery rather than needing solar to fully replace grid charging over long periods.

Solar roof and charging behavior (key specs)

  • Solar output: ~300 W from the roof.
  • Solar roof design: an extending solar roof
    • Currently 1.6 m²
    • Can extend to 3.2 m²
    • Intended to charge the batteries directly
  • Practical range from solar:
    • Ideal day: about 55 km added
    • Overcast but hot: about 30–40 km added
  • Grid charging:
    • Has an AC charger only (no DC mentioned)
    • Battery is 10.2 kWh, so charging via AC is “quick enough” for its small capacity.
    • Claimed 0–100% with “reasonable sunshine” is about 2.5 days, but the reviewer says real life won’t need that much continuous charging.

Battery + motor + performance (city-focused)

  • Battery size: 10.2 kWh
  • Claimed range: ~150 km (NEDC) for such a small battery (reviewer ties this to efficiency/weight)
  • Motor: 15 kW rear electric motor
  • Performance claim:
    • Adequate for city driving
    • Brisk acceleration
    • Up to ~80 km/h mentioned
  • Steering/braking/suspension:
    • Adequate, but not performance-oriented
    • Suspension described as a bit crashy/noisy, attributed to lightweight design

Weight and lightweight construction (core technical argument)

  • Vehicle weight: ~660 kg
  • Lightweight architecture:
    • Aluminum chassis
    • Polymer composite body panels (wings, bonnet, trim, etc.)
  • The reviewer frames this as the biggest reason the car can be practical despite a solar roof and small battery.

Interior / product features noted

  • Emphasis on A/C and practical controls (heating/cooling via knobs).
  • Tech/interface:
    • Mentions a screen
    • Apple CarPlay
    • Retractable roof control
    • Displays for range and drive modes
  • Driver assistance / comfort:
    • Seat detection (“door open and detect I’m in the seat”)
    • Rear cameras and radar with reversing beeps
  • Simplified “don’t overdo it” approach:
    • Electric windows (two)
    • One demo color: mocha brown
    • Old-school handbrake
  • Rear seating:
    • Limited—can fit about two adults
    • Described as tight/hard seats
  • Storage:
    • Boot: 70 L, expandable to ~800 L using the rear folding/space layout.

Warranty

  • Mentions 3-year warranty overall.
  • Battery warranty: 8 years (called “pretty amazing”).

Reviewer’s conclusion / positioning

The car is portrayed as not a universal solution, but well-suited to:

  • Southeast Asia (especially places like Bangkok)
  • Some African countries

The reviewer credits it for innovation: lightweight construction + a solar roof as a practical city “topping up” system.

Main speakers / sources

  • Elliot Richards — main presenter/reviewer.
  • Product/company referenced: Salaki — for the Salaki Sun V.

Original video