Indeed, it has been a long, arduous road for Louis Palmer’s Solartaxi from the first conceptual drawing in 1986 until the realization of an actual vehicle complete with sponsor in 2007. The car is not only the symbol of one man’s challenge to help the environment, it is also the message carrier apprising others of the dangers to the planet, making them aware that alternative fuel sources must be developed, embraced and encouraged to become everyday parts of our lives. Solar Powered Cars are great, and might be part of the BIG solution…
A sharp looking automobile resembling something from futuristic movies, the car is powered on solar energy and is making its way throughout various countries around the globe offering information on the effects of fossil fuels. With the emission of CO2 abnormally accelerated by the world’s reliance on crude oil, natural gas, coal and the destruction of forests, we are reaching crisis proportions. It is now necessary to develop alternative fuels for vehicles either by creating another form of gasoline such as pure ethanol or by other means entirely including wind, solar and electric energy.
And as cute as the Solartaxi might be, it is no slouch when it comes to performance. At fifty-five miles per hour, admittedly it will not win any speed races, but it will certainly make it around town in a zippy manner. Considering first version electric cars could only travel twenty-five miles per hour, the Solartaxi is fast. Advancements in battery longevity are a benefit, too, as the ZEBRA high-energy battery is made from salt, ceramics and nickel as opposed to lead acid.
Hats off to the Solartaxi team as it takes great determination to change the world one step at a time!
