A solar-powered electric car traveled 1,000 kilometers across the Sahara
A solar-powered vehicle, said to be the first of its kind, recently finished a test drive in Morocco and the Sahara desert, covering about 1,000 kilometers without needing a recharge.
Specifications of a solar powered car
Students from Eindhoven University of Technology have made a solar-powered car called Stella Terra, which just passed a test for its lightweight design and aerodynamic shape. It can go up to about 145 km/h and travel around 710 km when it’s sunny. The car weighs 1,200 kg. The manager of the Solar Team Eindhoven, Wisse Bos, said their technology, which combines a light build with super-efficient solar panels, is ten years ahead of what’s currently on the market. In addition to the solar panels, the car also has a lithium-ion battery for when there isn’t much sunlight. Plus, they can use the solar energy for cooking or charging devices like phones and cameras.
Field tests
In a two-week experiment across the diverse landscape of northern Africa, spanning from Tangier to the Sahara, the solar car was put to off-road tests. Unfortunately, during these tests, the vehicle’s steering system encountered a problem. Bob van Ginkel, the 24-year-old technical manager of the project, quickly fixed the issue.
The primary challenge in making solar-powered vehicles revolves around obtaining sufficient energy while keeping production costs reasonable. Most solar panels available today typically achieve an efficiency rate of about 15-20%, with the most efficient ones reaching around 45%.
Britt van Hulst, the 21-year-old financial manager of the project, emphasized that there’s still much work to be done. However, the team hopes that their project will serve as an inspiration for major car manufacturers like Land Rover and BMW.
Ultimately, the success of these innovations can play a significant role in advancing a more sustainable future for the automotive industry by promoting eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions.
Source: theguardian.com