On the Subject of Solar Vehicles and the Benefits of the Technology

The face of the automotive industry is being reshaped by concerns over oil supplies, international policy and fuel costs. A wide variety of hybrid technologies are now available including discussion of hydrogen possibilities. The solar powered car, one of the oldest alternative energy vehicles, has many applications to the emerging electric vehicle market. The development of a telemetry system for a solar powered race car aids in a better understanding of the energy usage of a vehicle and the aspects applicable to electric vehicles as a whole. This paper surveys the history and future of solar and electric vehicles and provides an overview of a typical solar car.

I. INTRODUCTION

Automotive consumers are growing increasingly more interested in highly fuel efficient vehicles, environmentalists are concerned over vehicle emissions, and politicians are fighting to ease foreign relations and maintain international oil trade. The effects of the combustion engine automobile are diverse and widespread. Research in ethanol, hydrogen, biodiesel and electric vehicles aims to improve energy efficiencies while decreasing pollution and dependency on foreign oil.