Call us dreamers, but we think the concept of a solar-powered car is a mighty enticing one. Perhaps not an entirely realistic proposition, but definitely attractive. Sunlight is, after all, free, infinitely renewable, and (although Seattleites may disagree) generally abundant. And recent advances in photovoltaic-cell production and technology may go a long way toward, well, brightening the solar-powered automobile's future. Now, a team at Taiwan's National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences is contemplating production for a diminutive solar-powered runabout inspired by the Apollo single-seat racer (pictured above right, with team members), the university's entry into the 1800-mile Australian World Solar Challenge. Expected to be priced at about $24,700, the two- or three-seater (shown above, ugly as sin) tips the scales at a scant 550 pounds, thanks to the extensive use of strong, lightweight Nomex honeycomb material. A roof-mounted photovoltaic panel will recharge the car's batteries with "a few hours of sunlight"; a full charge will power the car for three hours to an urban-friendly top speed of 45 mph. Can it work in the market? Or, more to the point, can the solar-powered car emerge as more than a pricey toy for environmentally inclined rich people? French boutique automaker Venturi is thoroughly engaged in the production of its stunning Eclectic solar/wind/plug-in electric runabout, but with a top speed of about 30 mph and no doors, it is, at best, a fair-weather friend and a resort-town accessory. There's little question that price will hobble the Taiwanese runabout's market potential (even more than its looks); two-stroke-powered three-wheelers are a fraction of the solar car's anticipated cost, and plug-in electrics like the ZAP! Xebra offer greater range and occupant/cargo capacity for less than half the price.
Source: Taipei Times
Photos courtesy of National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences
