Solar Powered Car
Let's slide another post in here about alternative energy. I follow the auto industry quite closely. Recently an unnamed auto executive brushed off comments when asked about the prospects for a solar hybrid car. It was apparent from his response that he didn't think the technology was practical. Well, it sucks to be him because engineers in Switzerland, South Africa and Germany have developed a solar car in the video below. Solar powered concept cars have been around for many years including at GM which was a pioneer decades ago. Now, this video isn't a practical design......yet. But, with technological improvements in solar technology, energy storage, control systems, composites and the like could it be in five to ten years? The more relevant question is why wouldn't it be? Not only could the car be driven by solar power but it could be built such that the majority of materials are recyclable or biodegradable. Ford built a car quite a few years ago where a large amount of the non-drive train components were biodegradable and we've already highlighted Mazda's use of corn-based plastics. Remember my comments some time ago about GE hoodwinking Saudi Aramco by selling them their plastics business? Petroleum based plastics are going the way of the dodo bird.
I also think we need to start thinking about redefining transportation as entrepreneurs transform this space. An example: today's cars are engineered for safety standards required at highway speeds. That adds tremendous cost to vehicle engineering, componentry and production. The concept of a city car is finally developing momentum in the United States. So, does a vehicle restricted to non-highway use or restricted to special driving lanes on highways need to be engineered to such high safety standards? If safety standards for a new breed of transportation could be lowered with restrictions on its use, could entrepreneurs or companies bring vehicles to market at heretofore unheard of prices and efficiency? We highlighted a 330 mpg hybrid on here last year and the Chevrolet Volt electromotive technology this year. Could we some day have personal use city cars selling for $4-7,000? And, would you buy one as a second car or if you live in a large city, as a primary car? Those in the automobile industry wishing to restrict competition and innovation while maintaining profits obviously would fight any such progress but entrepreneurs and consumers would benefit as would job creation and economic vitality.
There is no stopping the movement away from petroleum products. The video is in German but a link to a short interview in English is below.
If you want to see a short interview in English with the head of the project, click here.
The solar taxi's web site in English is here.
I also think we need to start thinking about redefining transportation as entrepreneurs transform this space. An example: today's cars are engineered for safety standards required at highway speeds. That adds tremendous cost to vehicle engineering, componentry and production. The concept of a city car is finally developing momentum in the United States. So, does a vehicle restricted to non-highway use or restricted to special driving lanes on highways need to be engineered to such high safety standards? If safety standards for a new breed of transportation could be lowered with restrictions on its use, could entrepreneurs or companies bring vehicles to market at heretofore unheard of prices and efficiency? We highlighted a 330 mpg hybrid on here last year and the Chevrolet Volt electromotive technology this year. Could we some day have personal use city cars selling for $4-7,000? And, would you buy one as a second car or if you live in a large city, as a primary car? Those in the automobile industry wishing to restrict competition and innovation while maintaining profits obviously would fight any such progress but entrepreneurs and consumers would benefit as would job creation and economic vitality.
There is no stopping the movement away from petroleum products. The video is in German but a link to a short interview in English is below.
If you want to see a short interview in English with the head of the project, click here.
The solar taxi's web site in English is here.
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