Hyundai solar panel

Hyundai releases car with solar panel roof

The Korean car maker said up to 60% of the power for the car's battery could be supplied if the solar roof was used for six hours a day.

The panels would provide enough power to propel the Sonata for 1,300km (800miles) a year, it added.

Hyundai said it planned to offer the roof as an optional extra on other models in its range.

Fitting hybrids with panels that can harvest solar energy would boost fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions, said Hyundai.