Will you drive a solar powered car some day?
Experts are predicting that 2011 is going to be the year of the electric car. Several auto manufacturers are releasing new 100% electric or plug-in electric hybrid models this year. Many new concept cars will soon be driving major highways in the next few years, as well.
All this means that solar-powered electric cars are on the horizon.
Currently, several green cars offer solar panel options for consumers. The Toyota Prius (not an electric car yet) is a traditional hybrid that can be outfitted with PV cells on its roof to offset battery drain running the air conditioning. It can help boost mileage too! The new 100% electric Nissan LEAF also has a solar panel option, which 70% of its buyers are choosing. Like the Prius, the solar panels will help power internal operations of the automobile, though will not actually recharge the battery.
But, solar powered cars that run on 100% renewable solar energy are still in the future:
The primary reasons we do not yet see cars that are covered in solar panels driving around is that too many panels would be required to completely power the vehicle, and the cost would be prohibitive for most consumers.
A solar electric car has been developed. The experimental Swiss “Solartaxi,” was developed to circle the globe and powered entirely by energy generated by solar panels. However, the vehicle required a solar array on a trailer that was nearly as big as the Solartaxi itself!
For now, if you want a solar-powered electric car, your best bet is to purchase an electric car. Then, instead of plugging it into the grid, install solar panels on your garage, or recharge at one of a solar park and ride facilities or solar powered garages like the ones shown below.
Solar powered garages offer renewable energy to recharge EVs
Tags: electric cars, electric vehicles, solar cells, solar panels, solar power, solar powered car, solar powered electric car
February 1st, 2011 at 10:38 pm
I currently drive a Prius and enjoy the better gas mileage.
I would like to see the government and the auto industry pull their resources together and provide the pubic with solar power electric cars that can get us off the dependency of foreign oil and a trading dept that is destoying this country.
April 22nd, 2011 at 9:24 pm
I would like to know more whether these can be fitted to petrol run cars?If so about the installation, cost and efficiency
April 23rd, 2011 at 11:20 am
The Earth receives more energy from the sun in an hour than is used in the entire world in one year
August 20th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
I will need a new car in about 2 years and would love to get a stylish solar car.