Solar cars, powered by photovoltaic panels, represent a promising solution for a future of greener transport. Despite current challenges, such as energy efficiency and availability of sunlight, these cars offer an interesting perspective for sustainable mobility, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and harmful emissions
– Milan
One of the most important challenges of the future is to make transport more ecological and less dependent on fossil fuels. One possible solution is to exploit solar energy to power cars, a technology that is arousing more and more curiosity and interest. However, cars with solar panels are still an absolute rarity on the market and are mostly prototypes or very expensive models or from start-ups that often last a few years. Among the “real” cars the Lightyear One, a luxury sedan that promises a range of 725 km thanks to photovoltaic panels integrated into the bodywork. Its cheapest version, the Lightyear Two, should cost around 40 thousand euros and could be released between 2024 and 2025 also in Europe. Another example is the Solar City Cara small quadricycle designed by a Dutch startup, which has a solar panel on the roof that allows it to travel 20 km a day.
what are they for
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The operation of a solar car is based on the use of a solar panel, which captures the sun’s energy and turns it into electricity. This is then sent to a controller, which regulates it and stores it in the battery. The battery powers the car’s electric motor, which makes it move like any other electric car. However, the solar car has the advantage of being able to recharge the battery at any time, or almost, whether it is moving or parked. This, theoretically, should allow it to have greater autonomy and not depend on charging infrastructure. Furthermore, solar energy is free and does not produce harmful emissions for the environment.
difficulties
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However, making a solar car comes with several challenges. To increase efficiency, it is necessary to use lightweight materials, reduce the size of the motor and electronic components, and position the battery in such a way as to balance the weight and improve performance. Thus you can have a photovoltaic electric vehicle that ensures ecological and economical mobility. Indicatively, the efficiency of solar cells is currently around 29% (solar cell efficiency varies depending on the type of cell used), so solar-powered cars have even less energy per unit mass than internal combustion engine cars. Additionally, the amount of solar panels needed varies based on many factors, such as the energy efficiency of cars, climate conditions and geographic location. Furthermore, a car that charges with the sun does not completely eliminate the need for the charging station, especially in winter when the hours of light are few and the sun is not very strong.
future scenario
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Solar energy is a renewable, clean and inexhaustible source of energy. Harnessing this energy in the automotive sector would be beneficial and could increase the range of electric cars and reduce dependence on charging stations. However, they are still there many difficulties to overcome. Cars with solar panels are still in the testing phase and are not widespread. Additionally, the efficiency of solar panels and the availability of light are crucial factors to consider. Despite these difficulties, innovation in the automotive sector continues and efforts are being made to overcome these obstacles. Over time, we may see an increase in the number of cars with solar panels on the roads, not only in Italy, but around the world. This would constitute an important step towards greener and more sustainable mobility.
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