Humble Wants To Be First With Solar-Powered SUV
Yet another electric vehicle startup has a bold goal to be the first with a solar-powered SUV. California startup Humble Motors has already begun the development of the “Humble One.” This is a four-door crossover SUV. One goal for Humble is to see a 500-mile range through a combination of electric and solar power. Plans call for a solar panel on the roof
“We think solar is the future of mobility”-Humble
“We think solar is the future of mobility and that solar-powered electric vehicles are the clear next step to tackling carbon neutrality in the transportation ecosystem,” says Humble founder Dima Steesy.
With 82.35 square feet of photovoltaic solar panels positioned on the roof, it is estimated the Humble One can replenish 60 miles from a day of sunlight. Besides this innovation, the Humble One has increased range through lighter materials and an aerodynamic body. With a 0.25 drag coefficient it cheats the air for a few more miles of range.
Total Humble SUV output is a stout 1020 hp
The total output is a stout 1020 hp. The top speed is anticipated to be 155 mph. Zero to 60 speeds are expected to be 4.9-seconds. Unfortunately, all of the numbers are estimates so far.
Besides the solar top, it will also feature fold-out solar array “wings.” When parked these fold out to capture more sunlight to be converted into more range. At 198-inches long it is slightly longer than a Toyota Corolla. Weighing in at 4,000 lbs it is no lightweight. But Humble claims it is still 1,500 lbs lighter than a Tesla Cybertruck.
Humble says it has taken in more than $20 million in reserved orders
So far Humble says it has taken in more than $20 million in reserved orders. You can reserve one yourself. A fully refundable $300 gets you in line. Production is estimated to begin sometime in 2024 with customers receiving their Humble Ones in 2025. The base price is $109,000.
“The Humble One has its fans — it has more than $20 million in reserved pre-orders,” says Alex Bogicevic, Humble engineering lead. He is a former executive for Ford. “And its US reservations increased 426% last month at a time when other electric vehicles overall US sales only grew by 12%.”
