Facts: Solar Transportation

Electric vehicles (EVs) are propelled by an electric motor (or motors) powered by rechargeable battery packs. Electric motors have several advantages over internal combustion engines (ICEs):

·         Energy efficient. Electric motors convert 75% of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels—internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20% of the energy stored in gasoline.

·         Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.

·         Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than ICEs.

·         Reduce energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.

EVs face significant battery-related challenges:

·         Driving range. Most EVs can only go about 100–200 miles before recharging—gasoline vehicles can go over 300 miles before refuelling.

·         Recharge time. Fully recharging the battery pack can take 4 to 8 hours. Even a "quick charge" to 80% capacity can take 30 min.

·         Battery cost: The large battery packs are expensive and may need to be replaced one or more times.

·         Bulk & weight: Battery packs are heavy and take up considerable vehicle space.

However, researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving range and decrease recharging time, weight, and cost. These factors will ultimately determine the future of EVs.

Did you know how solar cars work? It is easy to understand how a solar cooker or a solar water heater works, but how does a solar car work? What exactly happens within a solar car? How is the energy from the sun’s rays used to drive a vehicle? Here is the information on how solar cars work:

We know about solar energy being used as an alternative to electricity, but solar power as an alternative to fuel??? May be a little new on the ears to listen, but it is already implemented. Scientists all over the world are thinking about various alternatives to be used in place of fossil fuel, because of their fast depletion and also since they are a major contributor to pollution.

Just like using hydrogen, methanol and other bio-diesel as fuels for automobiles, people all over the world are contemplating about the use of solar energy as fuel for automobiles.

The working of a solar car would be very similar to the working of solar systems that are used as a substitute for electricity in many households. Solar panels are made up of semi conductors. Solar energy consists of particles called as photons. These photons are captured by the solar panels in what is called as photovoltaic cells. The panel then converts the captured solar energy into electricity.

Generally this energy is stored in batteries for efficiency and flexibility. A control system is used to regulate the power that goes to the electric drive motor, like the accelerator in a car.

 But unlike conventional cars, solar cars store the energy absorbed when braking rather than wasting it entirely to heat and noise.

The design and use of solar cars requires an approach that is radically different because of the limited power available to them. There would be a vast degree of variation from the traditional cars that uses fossil-fuel vehicles, with their relatively unlimited power. Aerodynamics and the weight of the automobile become significant design issues.

In order for the solar panels to achieve a good level of efficiency and constant supply of solar energy, solar panels require large area for installation. And hence batteries that are needed to store the sun's energy in the form of electricity are a large part of the weight in solar cars.

Without batteries, the car would definitely have difficulty with accelerating, climbing hills, overtaking cars, and in conditions where direct sunlight is obscured clouds, and during dusk.

The most economical and widely used batteries are lead-acid car batteries. A typical solar car would have anywhere from five to ten of these. Although advances have been made in battery technology, the ratio of how much energy these can store in comparison to their weight is not as good as for fossil fuels.

With solar cars, there is very little excess power to play with, so conveniences like heaters and air conditioners need careful thought.

It definitely does not come as a surprise when I say that solar cars are environmentally friendly and have zero emissions. But unfortunately at the moment, the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells is extremely limited. But as the time progresses, the efficiency of these photovoltaic cells with definitely improve. This will definitely make solar cars and in turn solar energy the most sought after fuel and car of the future. A sight close to reality in the new few years

           
Toyota's solar charging station will consist of solar cells capable of generating 100/200V of electricity. The station includes storage batteries to store the electricity generated until it is required to recharge electric vehicles. The station also has a communication facility to authenticate users' identification information, and to communicate the amount of charge and other data to a remote data centre. The communication system is expected to use LANs and Mobile networks.Earlier this year Toyota Industries unveiled a new public charging station for electric vehicles, which went on sale a few months ago at a cost of 450,000 Yen (around 4,600USD). Both the earlier public charging station and the new solar charging system were developed in collaboration with Nitto Kogyo Corporation. A variety of charging station options is needed to address the potential range limitations of electric vehicles, and a significant network of charging stations will need to be deployed to make electric vehicles viable for longer distance travel. Virtually all major car manufacturers are planning to launch electric or plug-in hybrid cars starting next year. Charging stations for electric cars are gradually becoming more widespread. In the UK the Department of Transport estimates there will be about two million electric vehicles by 2020. In the US, SolarCity and Rabbobank have created a partnership to provide free electric charging for electric vehicles traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Highway 101. SolarCity has also bought SolSource Energy, which is in the business of installing charging stations for cars. Toyota made the announcement and exhibited the charging station and battery charger at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show being held from October 23 to November 4, 2009 at Makuhari Messe, in Chiba City, Japan. The solar charger is scheduled for release late next year or in 2011 at a price of several hundred thousand Yen