Dawn of Mass Market Solar Cars
Solar Cars Go Mass Market Source: Tokai Challenger Solar Prototype Solar cars are typically electric vehicles powered solely or mainly by solar energy. Photovoltaic cells contained in the solar panels convert the sun's energy into electricity. They combine some of the technologies used in the aerospace, alternative energy, automotive and bicycle industries. The design of the cars has been limited by the amount of solar panels needed to draw in enough solar energy to power the vehicles. As a result, prototype solar cars have primarily been built for solar car racing. But now that is changing. Road Ready Chinese solar panel manufacturer Hanergy has developed four prototype solar cars for the consumer mass market. Production is scheduled for 2019. The cars are equipped with lithium ion batteries powered by the sun. They'll first be offered to Chinese consumers and are styled like a normal car. Hanergy says exposure to 5 to 6 hours of sunlight enables the