Human-Solar Powered Hybrid Electric Car Unveiled in California

I think it is great. I've thought for some time now that this sort of hybrid would be an important substitute for the auto-rickshaw. The difference that I pictured in my head was to have the human contribution be through a peddle powered generator. That way you could pedal as hard or gently as you like and still move at a constant sped due to the battery. You could also continue to pedal at traffic lights and continue to charger the battery. I would also like to see energy generating shock absorbers (operating like a shake charge flashlight).

if i added some generic off-the-shelf solar panels and a battery to http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2333021, i think i would have a competing product.

And how could the prof say that this was one of the first projects that involves solar energy in a mobile system???? See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_vehicle

This is a well done car, and while it doesn't look very sexy it is a step forward.

I fear a few people will tak exception to the claim that it is the first use of mobile solar power to charge a vehicle, myself included. In 1980, yes 28 years ago, I put 3 solar panels on a golf cart and used it for years as a truck for our organic vegetable farm. It worked very well, and in all the years I used it the sole power source was sunshine.

The range per day was limited, but it was a useful vehicle, and even pulled a trailer loaded with vegies countless times, never broke down, and was never plugged in. It just worked. Powered with USED Arco panels from the Carrizo power plant and lead acid batteries, it worked well. I let many people drive it, so they could say they had driven on sunshine alone.

While it is not yet a total solution, vehicles like this can provide some of our transport needs, right now. They DO work. There are so many people who only need to drive a few miles a day, to the store a few times a week and to church on Sunday. A solar powered car makes sense.

All you need is an electric golf cart, 3 12 volt panels, and a voltage regulator. So simple and inexpensive.

As a transportation design student I enjoy seeing alternative vehicle projects come into fruition. Mileage and efficiency is important and it seems they've got it down. A vehicle like this can have its exterior redesigned easily, without changing the internal components, to be marketed toward foreign buyers.
I think its all down to more refined packaging and company sponsorships.

I found this article because I had a dream last night for just such a project. Good to see I am not the only one thinking of this. This is a great idea for a neighborhood vehicle.

Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, just another non-practical concept that will never be realized.
A novel idea with no hopes of success!