Bethany
Not only the world’s biggest auto producers have their word on electric car, but also Cambridge students. They unveiled a plan for a solar-powered car, able to drive at 60 mph, and use much less energy than a conventional electric car, just about 2kW (my car has 77kW, for a comparison).
They named it “Bethany”, plan to complete it this summer, and to race it at the World Solar Challenge across Australia’s Outback. The car also has regenerative braking, allowing it to recover the energy normally lost through friction when braking.
If you wonder how this car is going to reach 60mph with 2kW (the power of a regular hairdryer), you must know that it weighs only 170kg.
The student researchers simulated the car’s aerodynamics, rolling resistance, weight, and electrical efficiency, and optimized them to minimize its requirements.
Just one more info: the making of this solar powered car costs about £200,000. Kinda expensive. Let’s hope for better next time, so almost everybody could enjoy such a vehicle.