Mr. Standen that's a great question. Most of the major automotive manufacturers right now are very focused on battery powered electric vehicles, hybrid powertrains and various levels of self driving cars. Solar vehicles, if the right technology could be developed that could efficiently capture and store solar power with backup systems for times when no sun is available, would be a very interesting scenario. The University of Michigan (of course), MIT and Berkeley as well as some auto manufacturers have had solar programs over the years but none have, to my knowledge, developed efficient, practical, marketable, mass production solar technology for vehicles. If you have an idea that you believe is workable and scaleable you may be on to something...many blessings to you!!
The only way I see solar vehicles being good for people is if enough politicians own stock in this WHOLE idea. Just look at how difficult they have made it for TESLA vehicles. Why? Because they ALL own oil not electric! The first state to ban selling them was Texas. President Bush's back yard. Bush owns oil and lots of. He did alot of pushing back with other politicians to try to stop the selling of these. Be prepared to spend alot, have sleepless nights, and be willing to stand up and fight for what you believe in!!
The real reason Solar powered cars are unpractical is the energy conversion offset. Electric cars are great because of their batteries. They have power and range because they have stored energy.
In effect, the batteries have taken the place of fuel as stored energy in a combustion powered vehicle.
Direct solar to motion is a tough thing to make practical with the technology we now know. Perhaps there will be a breakthrough that will make it possible. So that is the focus of you want solar powered vehicles.
Of course, and I believe the demand for solar-powered vehicles will begin to grow exponentially. The biggest problem will be the cost to the consumer. It will have to be reasonable.
I would also like to see solar-powered motorhomes and have a few of them in my privately owned RV rental agency in New Mexico.
That is not a simple answer, however I think it may be a business to look into. I would maybe start with solar charging stations for electric vehicles as the technology for solar powered cars is way on the horizon in my opinion. However electric vehicles are becoming more popular and Ford for instance is putting billions into electrification right now. So these folks need an eviornmentally friendly and economical way to charge the cars.
Not thinking a Solar Powered Vehicle will be very mainstream. In my 30 years of this Industry, I have seen many variations of ways to propel a Vehicle down the Road! Just in the past few years have we seen all Electric have the capability to travel distances of 300 plus miles in a single charge, and be relatively affordable...yet ALL Electric Vehicles have been around since the mid 90's (remember the GM EV1?). I have seen Natural Gas, Propane, Hydrogen (water), and even Air propulsion (I think that was Tata from India)...but Solar? What would the range be? How about areas with little to no sunlight? Winter Months on the East Coast. So at best, if there was a Range, your Market would be limited or seasonal. Now, I do think a Solar System that could incrementally charge a Vehicle while it was parked (no available Chargers) or sitting on the 405 Freeway in California. Alternative Fuel Vehicles are still reserved for the few, not the masses and as Manufacturers look to increase MPG and make Cars that meet SULEV and PZEV emission standards...I do not see the cost of Alt Fuel Vehicles declining and I see them falling into a slump in the coming years. We are dependant on Fossil Fuels and Petroleum based products...no matter how hard we try to get away...even this computer I am typing on depended on it!
Even home solar is not real great for the long term, current home panels are only good for 15 years right now. And even less for the cheap ones, add on that the impact of the materials it takes to make them, the motors and the wiring, batteries! Theoretically a great idea, but doesn't pencil out as a plan that would stay in business.
Answers (1-10)
Mr. Standen that's a great question. Most of the major automotive manufacturers right now are very focused on battery powered electric vehicles, hybrid powertrains and various levels of self driving cars. Solar vehicles, if the right technology could be developed that could efficiently capture and store solar power with backup systems for times when no sun is available, would be a very interesting scenario. The University of Michigan (of course), MIT and Berkeley as well as some auto manufacturers have had solar programs over the years but none have, to my knowledge, developed efficient, practical, marketable, mass production solar technology for vehicles. If you have an idea that you believe is workable and scaleable you may be on to something...many blessings to you!!
realy cool idea if you could compete in price and tech with big boys
The only way I see solar vehicles being good for people is if enough politicians own stock in this WHOLE idea. Just look at how difficult they have made it for TESLA vehicles. Why? Because they ALL own oil not electric! The first state to ban selling them was Texas. President Bush's back yard. Bush owns oil and lots of. He did alot of pushing back with other politicians to try to stop the selling of these. Be prepared to spend alot, have sleepless nights, and be willing to stand up and fight for what you believe in!!
Greetings,
The real reason Solar powered cars are unpractical is the energy conversion offset. Electric cars are great because of their batteries. They have power and range because they have stored energy.
In effect, the batteries have taken the place of fuel as stored energy in a combustion powered vehicle.
Direct solar to motion is a tough thing to make practical with the technology we now know. Perhaps there will be a breakthrough that will make it possible. So that is the focus of you want solar powered vehicles.
Respectfully,
John Benton
Of course, and I believe the demand for solar-powered vehicles will begin to grow exponentially. The biggest problem will be the cost to the consumer. It will have to be reasonable.
I would also like to see solar-powered motorhomes and have a few of them in my privately owned RV rental agency in New Mexico.
That is not a simple answer, however I think it may be a business to look into. I would maybe start with solar charging stations for electric vehicles as the technology for solar powered cars is way on the horizon in my opinion. However electric vehicles are becoming more popular and Ford for instance is putting billions into electrification right now. So these folks need an eviornmentally friendly and economical way to charge the cars.
Not thinking a Solar Powered Vehicle will be very mainstream. In my 30 years of this Industry, I have seen many variations of ways to propel a Vehicle down the Road! Just in the past few years have we seen all Electric have the capability to travel distances of 300 plus miles in a single charge, and be relatively affordable...yet ALL Electric Vehicles have been around since the mid 90's (remember the GM EV1?). I have seen Natural Gas, Propane, Hydrogen (water), and even Air propulsion (I think that was Tata from India)...but Solar? What would the range be? How about areas with little to no sunlight? Winter Months on the East Coast. So at best, if there was a Range, your Market would be limited or seasonal. Now, I do think a Solar System that could incrementally charge a Vehicle while it was parked (no available Chargers) or sitting on the 405 Freeway in California. Alternative Fuel Vehicles are still reserved for the few, not the masses and as Manufacturers look to increase MPG and make Cars that meet SULEV and PZEV emission standards...I do not see the cost of Alt Fuel Vehicles declining and I see them falling into a slump in the coming years. We are dependant on Fossil Fuels and Petroleum based products...no matter how hard we try to get away...even this computer I am typing on depended on it!
Even home solar is not real great for the long term, current home panels are only good for 15 years right now. And even less for the cheap ones, add on that the impact of the materials it takes to make them, the motors and the wiring, batteries! Theoretically a great idea, but doesn't pencil out as a plan that would stay in business.
To your answer that info is mine and until I'm part of this project and get something for MY IDEA, that info is not available.
Not in Pennsylvania..You would never see the sun long enough to charge up your ride