Solar- and Electric-Powered Car Information
Solar and electric cars are great environmental substitutes that can potentially replace traditional fossil-fuel-powered cars. A solar car utilizes the energy of the sun for vehicle propulsion, and an electric car runs on battery power. Both technologies are rapidly evolving and becoming more prevalent as alternative energy solutions become more sought after.
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Solar Car Design
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The required energy is provided by photovoltaic (PV) cells. Hundreds of solar cells are placed together to form an array, which is fitted to the solar vehicle. The horizontal array arrangement is the most widely used; it generates the maximum amount of power for the majority of the day. There is also very little contact with wind--which can damage cells--with this arrangement.
Solar Car Uses
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The "Solartaxi," a Swiss project, is one of the few roadworthy solar cars. It's the first solar-powered vehicle that has completed a trip around the world, going across the borders of 40 countries. The car is fitted with a 6-meter-wide solar array.
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Solar Car Limitations
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A considerable amount of solar energy is required to run a solar vehicle, and this imposes great limitations on its design. The main problem is that solar cells must be able to utilize sunlight; however, much of the time there is no sunlight available. Cells must store energy to use for times that lack sunlight, but the technological capabilities of power storage are still very limited.
Electric Car History
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Electric cars returned to the limelight as result of the energy crises of the 1970s and '80s and have managed to stay in the public eye ever since. The recent economic downturn as well as concern about global warming have increased the pressure on auto manufacturers to stop making SUVs, which consume a lot of fuel, and switch to small, electric and hybrid cars. One such immediate response to this demand was the announcement of the release of the Chevrolet Volt in 2010.
Electric Car Batteries
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The deciding factor in sustainable mobility through electric cars is the battery. The easy availability of a long-lasting battery of high power and short charging time at an affordable price will help the electric car compete with internal combustion engine vehicles. Although currently still more expensive than traditional vehicles, electric vehicles are rapidly becoming more affordable.
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