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Why not a DIY solar car?

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1–7 of 7 posts

Re: Why not a DIY solar car?

#3
It wasn't all that long ago that the only realistic way to have a useful electric car was to build one yourself. I know three people who did just that. It seems reasonable, given the advances in motor, battery, and solar tech, that a reasonably determined person could build a solar one today. It probably wouldn't be able to drive on the solar panels directly, but that's not necessary.

In fact, that's my backup plan should the day come when I can no longer get used cars that are old enough to avoid connectivity.

Not like the one in the reddit post, though. That is, as one commenter pointed out, a death trap. Better to modify an existing car.

Re: Why not a DIY solar car?

#6
post #4

Not enough surface area to generate enough useful power. Consider a solar carport or other covering with generation for more realistic range.

The motor is 250W (but I use it generally at level 2 out of 5 of power). Solar panels usually generate 200W (out of max 520W theoretically). So I have enough power from solar to power the motor directly.