solar-power-car

A car totally powered by solar power is years away. It may never happen at all.

But a French car maker Venturi has already produced an all-electric solar hybrid, with roof-mounted solar panels that help power the electric engine.

Unfortunately, Venturi’s vehicle only has a range of around 30 miles and a top speed of 30mph. But of course, it’s a concept car – exploring the world which may be yet to come.

As things stand, solar power is nowhere near reaching the requisite power. An all-solar car would need an impractically large surface area completely covered in solar panels. Solar cells have hitherto been designed for stationary installations and positioned in areas like sloping roofs on buildings or in wide open flat or south-sloping areas for industrial applications etc.

So cars are a very different proposition. Nevertheless, there are already solar enhancements for cars. Some hybrid cars, including the Toyota Prius, already come with the option of a pre-installed solar roof panel.

Also, a Californian company has developed a recharging system for hybrid vehicles which runs completely on solar power. The system uses a solar panel fitted to the roof of the car as well as a supplementary battery pack. The sun’s energy charges both the supplementary battery and the hybrid’s own battery pack, thus allowing extended driving range when the car is in electric mode.

At the moment, hybrid cars remain the most practical option for the kinds of eco cars UK drivers are interested in. But it might change over time. Already, all-electric cars are becoming more realistic as service stations begin to install charging stations.

Also the rapid advances in motoring solar technology as exemplified by the bi-annual World Solar Challenge solar-powered car race from Darwin to Adelaide are a small flavour of what might be yet to come.

Related articles

• The Many Benefits Of Solar Energy (frommyexperience.com)
• Electric Car Wins the Grand Prix (gogogreencars.com)
• The Energy of Natural Disasters (digitalbusstop.com)

Looking for a new car?

Why not check out these ultra cool hybrids for style and fuel efficiency?

Toyota Prius -

The King of the fuel efficient cars gets 46 MPG and still has room for a family of five.  Sleek styling inside and out.  Lot’s of spunk and a nifty hatchback.  The ideal family sedan for the eco-conscious family.

Toyota Camry Hybrid -

With 36 MPG, it’s not as fuel efficient as it’s cousin, the Prius but retains the look and style of the Camry.  Still it is 36% more fuel efficient than a none hybrid Camry.  A bit larger engine than the Prius but still able to make a big dent in the fuel costs.

Honda Civic Hybrid -

OK so it’s a bit higher priced than the regular Civic but it does combine electric motors with a super cool 5 seater sedan.  At 42 MPG’s that’s a lot of style and class for an environmentally friendly car.

Nissan Altima Hybrid -

At 30 MPG’s it’s not the most efficient Hybrid, but the Nissan Altima makes for a good compromise for the family that needs more space and style.  The Nissan is also a bit more sporty and powerful.

Ford Escape Hybrid -

I’m shocked to admit it, but this just might be my favorite.  How can you not love an SUV that gets 32 MPG’s and still has the heart of an adventurous Sport Utility.  Great style, superb fuel efficiency and just plain fun.

Some say “There is no comparison”, others think they are similar enough…. after all they are both “hybrids”. But, regardless of what people say… Motor Trend insists on comparing the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. Not quite as big a war as Chevy vs Ford but still interesting.