The engineering plastic is a key enabler in range extension thanks to its light weight and transparency. Photovoltaics is now a key enabling technology for land vehicles and boats. The favorite type is single-crystal silicon, which is even viable on the sides now. On boats, it used to be protected by an acrylic sheet on either side, making it bendable when being fitted, but this has strength and weathering issues. Now, much stronger, long-life polycarbonate is taking over, according to a report titled “Solar Vehicles 2021–2041, Second Edition” from IDTechEx. Your car headlamps withstand being hit by a rock because of polycarbonate. Lighter than glass, it is molded into shaped panels by Sono Motors, the company with the largest solar car order book at over 10,000 vehicles partly because it is able to charge modest prices. Its solar load-bearing bodywork replaces steel and paintwork, saving that cost, yet the appearance is similarly professional.