Improved Solar Car

The world's first totally solar-powered car has barely finished its first tour and the next generation is already in the works. The main difference is that the new model will be fitted with drive motors on all four wheels.

The air core motors use highly efficient electrical steel cores to maximize power efficiency, and the new solar-powered vehicle provides a perfect platform for investigating how performance can be optimized. While solar power alone may not be practical for day-to-day use (due to variable cloud conditions) it does represent a viable addition for example a battery + solar hybrid vehicle.

The two-seater, touring style car is due to be unveiled in May 2013 and will participate in the World Solar Challenge race - 3,000 kilometers using only solar power - scheduled to take place in Australia in October of next year.