On the Road, Under the Sun | Green Energy News

July 13, 2003 – Vol.8 No.16

ON THE ROAD, UNDER THE SUN .

Long before there was any interest in hydrogen fuel cell cars, there were great hopes that someday cars would be powered by the sun. The dream of a solar powered car for everyday use has yet to become a reality - emphasis on the word yet.

Today, solar powered cars, such as those now crossing the U.S. along the fabled Route 66 in the American Solar Challenge, are just exercises for budding engineers. But solar technology is improving and getting cheaper. Battery technology is lighter and more energy dense than just a few years ago. Electric drive motors have improved and the materials to make vehicle bodies and framework very strong and light-weight are readily available.

With all those advancements, and with a little creativity, a very simple, but non-conventional, solar car for the masses might be feasible. If someone would take up the, well, challenge.

The Challenge ends in Claremont, California on July 23. The website will sure to be operating long after the crews have gone home. Visit the Challenge at http://www.americansolarchallenge.org/