Who needs fossil fuels? Making the solar car commercial

摘要

Solar cars have been around for more than 30 years. Most ReNew readers will have seen at least one story about the World Solar Challenge, the solar car race from Darwin to Adelaide (including in the last ReNew!). Solar cars now readily make this journey every two years. In fact, it may have become a bit passe. There was a time when the event would gain considerable attention, but now it seems less of a challenge and more of a hobby for those with the desire and technical know-how, and the media is less interested. Perhaps it's time to take solar cars to the next level. The idea to make a commercially viable solar car-one that can be sold at a profit and so allow for a sustainable business-is not completely new. There is the Venturi Eclectic, for example (see box at right).