Scientists believe that in the near future petrol stations could slowly begin to disappear as drivers start plugging their cars into their homes.

As solar panel technology is rapidly advancing at such a fast rate it is expected that motorists will be able to draw enough power to their cars via the sun’s rays.

Keith Barnham, emeritus Professor of Physics at Imperial College, said he and his colleagues were already producing solar panels, which were three times as efficient as current models.

And they do not need to be fitted on roofs. The new materials work vertically and can be inserted into windows or made into blinds, which can be pulled down on a sunny day.

Speaking at the Hay Festival, Prof Barnham said: “Could we have an electric car powered entirely by sunlight? Yes we could.

“A typical solar panel system will generate enough electricity for typical mileage in a year.

“Free fuel for life from your rooftop. Even the most fervent opponents of electric cars like Jeremy Clarkson couldn’t argue with that.

“We need to spread the word that we have got the technology already, we just need to use it.”

Prof Barnham said if the UK followed Germany’s example and switched to renewable energy, bills could be reduced by more than 20 per cent.

Germany is well on its way of reaching its targets of all renewables by 2050. The solar panels have reduced the price of German electricity.

As the need for electricity rises as the years go on more and more homes could be installing electric vehicle charging units and diesel/ petrol could be a thing of the past.