So far, the efforts dedicated towards designing solar powered cars have not yielded the kind of appreciative results expected. In most of the design cases, either the appearance or efficiency of the designed-vehicles had failed to receive the industry’s applauds. However, a Volkswagen supercar presented at the 2010 Swansea Metropolitan University Degree Show in automotive design by Peter Wilkins not only promises to run by solar power with greater efficiency but also offers a competitive design styling.
The unique design of Wilkins permits each of the four wheels of the vehicle to be driven by an independent electric motor powered by solar energy stored in photovoltaic (PV) cells. The upper external surface of the vehicle stores the PV cells that further supply power to the mid-mounted hydrogen fuel-cell stack, which is directly linked to the electric motors. Placement of the PV cells and hydrogen fuel-cell stack form an integral part of the elegant design of the eco car that looks like part of a supercar.
Barring the design specs, no details about performance of the car have yet been made public. As brought out in the show, design of the car is highly influenced by the Volkswagen Scirocco as is suggested by the car’s side features, dominant front grill, and forward pitching nose, etc. This eco friendly vehicle is sure to offer you a pleasant driving experience.
The liveeco team
(via nitrobahn)
