Solar-Powered Cars- A Major Breakthrough Raises Possibilies
https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/sunswift-7-longest-distance-on-single-charge
https://newatlas.com/automotive/solar-powered-car-sunswift-speed-record-evs/
Pixabay
An interesting alternative-energy vehicle has been developed in Australia that could revolutionize the green-energy movement in transportation.
Solar-power is the most common alternative energy solution. Recently, a solar-powered car in Australia called the Sunswift 7 traveled 620-miles off one charge and broke the solar-powered car speed record of 62-miles per hour. This is a great development for clean-energy cars, and was developed by students at the University of New South Wales. The car is wrapped in solar panels and has a battery to store energy when the Sun is not shining. This vehicle is a leap forward for solar-powered vehicles and presents a clean and sustainable alternative to battery-powered automobiles like Tesla and Lucid Motors.
Currently, battery-powered cars are being trialed, and new battery technologies including sodium-ion batteries are maturing these green-energy technologies. A solar-powered car that can travel hundreds of miles off of one charge could change the clean-energy industry forever.
Mining lithium is harmful for the environment, and batteries require rare-earth metals that are controlled and manipulated by stakeholders. Solar-power requires processing of silica and new materials are being developed that are recyclable and cleaner. The range of travel for solar-vehicles and their reliability are the sticking points for consumers, and a solar car would solve issues for many.
The Sunswift 7 is a lightweight car at around 500-pounds, and many items found in standard vehicles were removed during the recent test run. Electric vehicles (EV) are becoming lighter and many are being designed with only 3-wheels to reduce the amount of energy required to operate them. The New South Wales team has been working departmentally since 1996 to develop a quality solar-powered vehicle, and this recent breakthrough is notable.
Consumers may have access to both battery-powered vehicles and solar-powered vehicles that may present a good green-energy portfolio. Solar-powered vehicles may be more efficient in sunnier cities including Los Angeles while battery-powered vehicles may be favored where green-energy can be used to create power. Hydroelectric and geothermal energy sources can be used to charge batteries and even break hydrogen out of water using electricity for fuel-cell vehicles. With more options for green and clean-energy vehicles being developed and matured, the future looks bright for consumers and the environment.
Posted on Steemit under account truth2 and Blurt under account truth2.curator