Revenue of hybrid car have overtaken traditional cars in many countries, and all-electric models are gaining ground in the market very quickly. at an even faster speed. However, charging cars often has at least some inconvenience, mainly due to poorer driving range and long charging times. Why can’t we make cars powered by solar energy?
Cars powered solely by the energy of the sun still exist. But for now, their variety is limited to prototype models. Image credit: TU Eindhoven, Bart van Overbeeke via FlickrCC BY-NC-ND 2.0
There are a number of automakers that have experimented with roof-mounted solar panels, and you can even order such models today. But can these photovoltaic panels provide enough power to meet your daily driving needs? Are they expensive to buy and maintain over the life of your vehicle? Are there any other hidden problems? The following video discusses the question of why solar cars are still far from the mainstream:
