Solar Electric

What are solar electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles, which use 100% electric power, use electric motors instead of an internal combustion engine to provide motive force. Solar-powered vehicles (SPVs) use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The electricity goes either directly to an electric motor powering the vehicle, or to a special storage battery. PV cells produce electricity only when the sun is shining. Without sunlight, a solar-powered car depends on electricity stored in its batteries.

History

Since the 1970s, inventors, government, and industry have helped to develop solar-powered cars, boats, bicycles, and even airplanes. In 1974, two brothers, Robert and Roland Boucher, flew an extremely lightweight, remote-controlled, pilotless aircraft to a height of 300 feet. It was powered by a PVarray on the wings. (The U.S. Air Force funded the development of these aircraft with the hope of using them as spy planes.) The first totally solar-powered car was built in 1977. It was small, lightweight, and cost relatively little. Experimental SPV’s, equipped with advanced technology, have been built with the backing of major auto manufacturers, including General Motors, Ford, and Honda.