Solar cars

[arcticpenguin]

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/breaking_news/6297130.htm

The American Solar Challenge started when a team from Kansas State University became the first from 20 U.S. and Canadian colleges to hit the road in a 2,300-mile race that will end in about 10 days in Claremont, Calif. Drivers will spend most of their time on the way to California on historic Route 66.
...
They can easily travel over 50 mph and can climb past 70 mph under the right conditions, students said.

While the sun shines, anyway.

American Solar Challenge

 

[Yahweh]

Coming soon, Solar Powered Hearses... no need to feel gloomy, its such a sunny day out today...

 

[uneasy]

I think this is great. There are places like Arizona that get sunshine almost all year.

The snag in solar cars is that anyplace with enough sun to make them useful is going to be hot enough to require air conditioning. I have a feeling they aren't cruising along in these thing at 50mph in air conditioned comfort.

Similarily with some electric cars. Look into them closely, and many don't have AC or heaters.

Someday though...

 

[dissonance]

I love the solar car challenge! And I'm not just saying that because my school's car happens to be in the lead right now. Ever seen one of those cars up close? They're like the cars of future. The really uncomfortable to drive cars of the future - the driver's seat is tiny. I believe they select the driver based on who is the tiniest person to volunteer.