How does a solar - powered car work?
DeanD
Solar-powered cars are simply electric cars that draw their power from the sun. Solar cells are mounted on the exterior of the car. These photovoltaic (PV) devices capture photons of sunlight and convert their energy into usable electricity, which is either sent directly to the motor to drive the car or stored in a battery.
To date, solar-powered cars are relegated to research and special events like races and expositions. In today's gas-powered or gas-electric hybrid cars, solar power can serve more minor purposes. For example, optional solar cells on the 3rd Generation Toyota Prius are used to power a ventilation system that keeps the car cool when it is parked in the hot sun (Toyota has future plans for a 100-percent solar-powered car).
In general, how solar-powered cars work is fairly simple. Solar cells directly power an electric motor. But the difficult part is how to make solar cars work well. Cars offer a limited amount of sun-exposed surface area, and current solar and battery technology is not advanced enough to create a self-sufficient and affordable solar-powered car. However, the gap between technology and affordability is closing, and several major automakers are working on designs for completely solar-powered vehicles.
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