Problem on nonrenewable sources of energy opened up a new opportunity for some scientists to devise an alternative source of energy and next generation cars that will be not be run by gasoline or diesel.
Mary Bellis wrote in About.com about solar cars whose invention can be traced back to early 19th century.
During the 1990s, regulations requiring an approach to “zero emissions” from vehicles increased interest in new battery technology. Battery systems that offer higher energy density became the subject of joint research by federal and auto industry scientists.
Solar cars were first built by universities and manufacturers. The sun energy collector areas proved to be too large for consumer cars, however that is changing. Development continues on solar cell design and car power supply requirements such as heater or air-conditioning fans.
This is indeed true as more university teams in America, Australia and Europe continue to invent solar powered cars that can may be mass produced in the future. In fact MIT’s Solar Electric Vehicle Team, has developed a next generation solar car called the “Eleanor”. The car $243,000, and will compete in the tenth World Solar Challenge to travel a span of 2000 miles of Australian outback.