Solar powered car - with solar panels
Until recently, I have been pretty skeptical about all the new ways people keep creating to help us drive our vehicles with little to no fuel. A recent convert to the idea of plug-in-electric-hybrids, I was still hesitant about the idea of solar-powered cars. That was until I learned that the two are not necessarily distinct!
There are actually two types of solar-powered cars. One is powered directly by solar panels installed on the vehicle, and the other is a plug-in electric car that obtains its power from a stationary source (a home, office building or recharging station) on which solar panels have been installed.
Obviously, the concept car in the video above is not one that you would drive – nor could you probably afford it! (if you can, please contact me ASAP…)
Solar-powered cars were first “discovered,” if you will, during the annual World Solar Challenge races across Australia. Of course, with the recent energy crisis, people have gotten more interested in ways to both save on fuel costs and help reduce CO2 emissions. Could it be that the solar-powered car will finally have its day in the sun?
If you want to drive a “pure” solar car, like the one in the top picture, note that the range is only about 200 miles, at top speeds of 50-60 miles per hour. The car is covered with photovoltaic solar cells that absorb sunlight energy and power the engine – excess energy is stored in the car’s battery. Certainly, everyone that sees you driving around will know how “green” you are!
Chevy Volt Electric Car - coming in 2010
You can still drive on sunlight without having your vehicle plastered with black panels, if you wish. Plug-in electric cars can be found, some are coming on the market next year, and you can even convert your fuel-hogging model to run on electricity as shown in the following video. If your electrical source is solar-based, then you are, in essence, driving a solar-powered car!
The advantages of the plug-in models over other solar-powered cars include a greater range, lower price, faster speeds, and (just perhaps) more traditional looking?
My guess is that we’ll be seeing more and more solar-powered options for all types of transportation in the near future. Solar-powered cars are still pretty cutting edge, but just remember what people initially thought with the hybrid/flex-fuel vehicles a few years ago. Now the dealers can’t keep them in stock.
So, would you drive a solar-powered car? I would!
Tags: plug-in electric vehicles, solar-powered car, world solar challenge
