Here’s one way to end range anxiety once and for all.
Musk Architects recently unveiled an electric motorcycle concept called the Solaris. It’s a slick-looking two-wheeler, but what really caught our attention is a set of retractable wings covered in solar panels that allow it to recharge itself whenever it’s parked in the sun.
We’ve seen plenty of battery-powered two-wheelers over the years, but the Solaris is the first we can recall that can charge itself. According to New Atlas, when parked, a set of fenders are deployed from under the motorcycle seat. Both elements pop up to reveal canopies covered in solar cells, which feed the motorcycle’s integrated lithium-ion battery via an intelligent energy management system. The wings need room to spread out, though, which can be a bit of a hassle to park in public. Musk says this feature is able to capture 150 percent more solar energy than typical panels, which should more than offset the inconvenience.
Mask Architects Solaris features two adjustable fins included in the solar panel
Mask Architects
The self-charging system may be the Solaris’ headline feature, but it’s also a stylish bike. The two-wheeler sports a bold look that the motorcycle offers, inspired by the shape of a splashing cheetah. It features an aluminum carbon frame with a minimalist carbon fiber body and a futuristic LED light package.
Although the Mask team describes itself as “engineering and technology pioneers,” Solaris still appears to be just a design study. The concept’s webpage lacks much in the way of technical details, beyond how its unique charging system works. We’ve seen the closest thing to a bike from the firm recently. That electric motorcycle is powered by a powerful carbon fiber arm electric motor that makes 80 HP and 673 ft-lbs of torque. If a production version of Solaris can deliver anything close to that, and charge itself, it’s not hard to imagine it becoming a hit.
Mask Architects
Of course, for now, Solaris is a concept and nothing more. Still, one hopes the electric motorcycle maker takes note and gets inspired, or better yet, works with Mask to make the two-wheeler a reality.
Click here for more images of Mask Architects Solaris.
Mask Architects
