Hyundai is to introduce a new hybrid version of its Sonata model that comes complete with a solar roof.

The solar roof panels help to charge the battery pack and can provide 1,300 km additional travel distance annually, provided it’s charged for six hours a day. The model also has new system called Active Shift Control, which reduces fuel consumption through improved transmission management.

Hyundai says that the application of the new technology gives the car impressive fuel consumption figure of around 20 km per litre, or 47.3 miles per gallon.  The silicon solar panels can charge while the car is stationary or in motion and will charge 30 to 60% per cent of the battery per day. Hyundai will introduce similar technology on other models in the coming years.