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Solar Cars vs Electric Cars

September 20, 2021

Solar Cars vs Electric Cars: A Shocking Battle

As the world continues to move towards more sustainable forms of transport, cars that run on electricity seem to be the most popular option. They have been around for a while now, and people are pretty familiar with how they work. However, there's another contender for the clean energy crown- solar cars. With solar technology advancing at an incredible rate, let's compare the two and see which one comes out on top.

How they work

Electric cars are powered by an electric motor and battery, which charges by being plugged into an external power source. On the other hand, solar cars use solar panels mounted on their roof and body to generate electricity. The electricity generated powers the electric motor, and excess energy is stored in a battery.

Efficiency

The efficiency of electric cars is dependent on their battery technology. The better the battery, the further the car can travel on a single charge. However, the charging process takes time, and electric cars still face range anxiety problems for longer trips. Conversely, solar cars are heavily reliant on the amount of sunlight they receive. If it's a cloudy day, the car won't travel far. However, when the sun's shining bright, the car can continue to run for a long time without stopping.

Speed

Electric cars have an advantage in this category. They have powerful electric motors that can provide instant torque, making them quick and responsive. On the flip side, solar cars aren't designed for speed. They're built with efficiency in mind, using lighter materials and streamlined designs to reduce drag and resistance.

Cost

When it comes to purchasing an electric car, the cost can vary significantly depending on the make and model. However, they do have the potential to save car owners money in the long run as electricity is cheaper than gas. Conversely, solar cars are still in development, and there aren't many commercial models available. Furthermore, they're significantly more expensive to produce than electric cars due to their advanced solar panel technology.

Environmental impact

Both solar and electric cars have a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional gas-powered cars. Electric cars produce zero emissions, while solar cars produce much less than their electric counterparts. Moreover, electric cars use lithium-ion batteries, which require mining, which can be environmentally damaging. Solar cars, on the other hand, don't use conventional batteries, so they don't have that problem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solar cars are exciting, but electric cars are the more practical option right now. They have the infrastructure to support them, and advancements in battery technology make them suitable for everyday use. However, as solar technology continues to develop, we may see solar cars become a more viable option in the future.

References

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