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Splendid Solar-Powered Concept Cars
Times have changed. Everybody is looking for alternate sources of energy. Solar energy, though one of the best sources, is despised by many. Luckily, the scornfulness has not stopped the bright brains from the world of automotive engineering work towards the production of solar-powered cars. Here are 12 such concepts that are sure get heads turned.
The Koenigsegg Quant
The Swedish solar-electric sports car, Quant will get its power from fool's gold - a combination of solar energy and pyrite. The supercar features two large gull-wing doors. "Flow Accumulator Energy Storage", a new lightweight battery technology and a photovoltaic coating will capture solar energy. The range, over 500 km on a single charge. The output may be 512 bhp and the vehicle can zoom to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and on to a speed of 275 km/h. The vehicle may weigh 1780 kg. The Peugeot Shoo
The triangular shoe-shaped Peugeot Shoo's roof will absorb solar energy and transform it for running the electrical engine. The brilliantly designed zero-emission car with floating parts gives it enough space to breathe on the road. The Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta
The wedge-shaped Quaranta with a mid-mounted hybrid powertrain supplied by Toyota can generate power of 268 bhp. The two tanks can hold 60 litre of fuel and can run 1,000 km on a single charge. The opaque roof with solar panels helps the interior electronics and the battery function properly. The 1+3 seating arrangement positions the driver front and centre with 2 seats further back on both sides and a little seat for a little child just behind the driver. The Mercedes-Benz Formula Zero
After earning name and fame in the luxury car industry, Mercedes-Benz is all set to do something new in the solar-powered car circle. The Formula Zero is a concept car with electric motors on its wheels which propel the car. The batteries draw power from an aero-efficient solar layer. The Antro Solo
The Hungarian Antro Solo has a unique design with the superb combination of solar and gas-electric power. The car will be exclusively made of carbon-fibre composite materials and weighs just 270 kg. It can give an amazing mileage of 64 kmpl. When the skies are bright, the Antro Solo will have enough power to go on 15-25 km trips. When the skies are gloomy, the car defaults to a small electric engine. The 1987 GM Sunraycer
The fascinating concept of the 1987 GM Sunraycer, built for Australia's World Solar Competition was never put into mass production. The car was nicknamed the Flying Cockroach. The 8,800 on-board solar cells spawned about 2 bhp of power, pushing the car to great speeds of 110 km/hr and winning the competition. The SEAT Brisa
Allow the breeze to take you and a friend out on a bright sunny day. Brisa in Spanish means breeze. This recreational fun car looks more like a bicycle and that was exactly the intention of the creator too. The not-so-transparent body hides the solar apparatus unlike other solar-powered cars with panels visible on the roof. The Mindset Six50
The 650-kg electric car mixes gas, Li-ion and solar power. The 90 bhp motor will allow the car to speed up to 140km/hr and accelerate from 0-100 km/hr in less than 6 seconds. It can go 100 km on a single charge. The 2+2 hybrid seater has a two-cylinder gasoline motor acting as the generator when needed and has solar panels on the roof-top. The Lotus Eco Elise
The lightweight car includes composite body panels, spoiler and seats made of industrial cannabis, upholstery made of eco wool and carpet made of sisal. The hard top has solar panels which capture energy for the functioning of the car's electric system which includes an iPod/MP3 compatible stereo. The Enigma
Nobody knows if the car will ever run into production. It was made for winning competitions and also won at the Royal College of Art's Green Concept Car competition. This efficient polished vehicle relies on electric and solar-powered motors for energy. The Solar-Powered Volvo
Created for the 2015 Dakar Rally, this Volvo combines solar energy and fuel cells to support its diesel engine. So far, it qualifies as the biggest solar concept car around. The design challenges the usual truck layout and investigates aerodynamic improvements within a Volvo identity. The Eve
The Eve makes use of a coated windshield helping it strap up solar rays and convert them into usable energy for the car. The Eve is made from a mixture of polymers that uses the friction of its turning wheels to generate electricity. The cool and stylish car changes colour depending on the driver's mood.
