We have previously made reference to the World Solar Challenge 2013 race involving solar powered cars crossing Australia that takes place every two years. Well, a car that was given the name Stella, which has been referred to as the first solar powered family car in the world, has finished in top spot in the Cruiser class of the above race.
The solar photovoltaic panelled powered vehicle is capable of seating 4 people. It has been produced by the Solar Team Eindhoven based in the Netherlands at Eindhoven University of Technology. It took around 18 months to develop the solar powered car and includes solar panels at both the rear of the vehicle as well as on the roof and they can be tilted to better catch the rays from the sun thus helping in recharging the on-board batteries. In fact, the solar panels generate twice as much electricity as the car requires.
The race involved travelling across 3,000 km of roads and this particular vehicle carried an average of three people on the trip. The car reached a commendable top speed of 120 km/h with an average speed of 67 km/h. The car is very light and is also aerodynamic. It has incorporated electric motors within the wheels.
Interestingly, the Cruiser class was only introduced this year with the intention of encouraging cars that have the potential to be made on a commercial basis and be powered using solar panels. The organisers were looking for cars that were practical whereas in previous races the competition has been about speed.
There were a number of factors that were taken into account by the judges including how comfortable the vehicle was, the amount of luggage space, its conventional parking capability, its style and the fact that it was the only vehicle to have a license plate.
Well done to Solar Team Eindhoven.
