Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept shows why we’re not driving on sunlight

Those of us who were children in the Reagan years may remember the science-project awe of the first solar-car race — the 1987 contest won by a General Motors project that looked like a one-eyed insect. Since then, despite advances in solar panel tech, solar-powered vehicles still resemble devices for cooking drivers rather than real vehicles.

In the latest bid to use the sun to drive our cars, Ford will show off the vehicle above later this month at the annual Consumer Electronics Show. Labeled the Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept, Ford says it shows how sunlight could replace the plug for electric vehicles — but only with a carport-sized magnifying glass.