PV Gap

Sherry Said:

Why aren't car manufacturers making solar powered automobiles?

We Answered:

Hunter,

It is all about the Benjamin's! First, they haven't figured a way to get all of those panels on a car and make it look cool, edgy, and propel the car for any length of time at optimal speeds. Those panels are expensive and are frail and the least "bump" to them, the driver would have a costly replacement.

Also, with alternative power sources (like the Hydrogen fuel cells, ethanol fuel, and the fully electric automobiles) they can't get the cars go faster than 60 mph. Solar power is no different. A combustible engine gets the most power, at least right now. The "hybrid" cars use the power from the gas to accelerate the vehicles.

I do think that manufacturers are incorporating solar power into their next generation of vehicles but it will be for mundane and simple power sources (like interior lighting, digital clocks, cell phone outlets, headlights and brake lights, etc.)

I think at our current phase of technology, that solar power is a futile field, at least were automobiles are concerned. My money for the future is on hydrogen fuel-celled vehicles as Honda already has one that is testing well in consumer markets and the reactant (or exhaust) from the engine is water! No more pollution. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in nature and I believe that is where the future is going. The car can't go very fast but it looks futuristic and is already on the road! I believe it is called the FCX. Go to Honda.com and check it out!