Best of 2011: Solar powered concept vehicles

For years now, automobile manufacturers around the world have been working on suitable ways to harness the solar energy to give power to the car engine. The effort is directed towards making the use of renewable sources of energy efficient and inexpensive. The numerous solar powered concepts brought forth in 2011 bear testimony to the immense research work in progress in the domain. Here we have a look at the solar powered concepts that left others trailing in 2011:

1. Aerius by Pei-Cheng Hsieh

This one is an amalgamation of two technologies that are been keenly looked at for the future of automobiles. This is an EV with solar panels. The concept, being touted as a design for the future, 2025 to be precise, is set to roll in motion the release of a car that would be no less than a racing car in terms of performance. It tries to resolve the general issue of driving range associated with electric vehicles through carbon nanotube super-capacitors that are charged by solar panels.

2. Aerotonos

This is the concept of an electric vehicle that draws power from solar as well as wind energy. It propagates the cause of high performance off-road travel. The forty square meter kite atop the concept along with the PV panel helps it eschew the reliance on charging stations. Designed to meet the needs of public tourism, the concept can move across tough terrains at the speed of 40 km/h.

3. FOOW Eco Rider by Pietro Russomanno

This EV concept uses solar panels for charging. The unique feature of this concept is its form. The two front wheels and just one rear wheel certainly set it apart from other vehicles.

The rear portion can be lifted, for the vehicle to occupy less space while parking. The single seater certainly makes for an interesting design.

4. Midier by Siyang Liu

The designer sees this concept as a tribute to Apple products. The electric vehicle can be charged by solar panels as well as from a grid. The concept comes replete with a DJ set up with mixing decks. The retractable roof and the fabulous lighting only serve to enhance the impact in the evenings. The design is said to
be inspired by that of a conch shell.

5. CRK Comet by Brent Carter

The single seater, solar powered concept, built using carbon fiber, seeks to optimize the use of space along with its obvious environmental friendly ambitions. The electric battery that powers the vehicle is charged by photo-voltaic cells that are located at the rear end which also has the boot space for the commuter. The front portion carries a curved look with the top extending from it quite seamlessly.

6. Peugeot Frame by Vladimir Abramov

This concept, having been refined since the launch of its first prototype in 2008, epitomizes sophistication in design and form. The concept, meant to be a four seater, carries the photo-voltaic cells atop its curved form. The regenerative braking systems are likely to pack a punch in the performance.

7. Solo Lite by Lorinc Sandor

The three seater concept, with its conspicuous curvy form, tries to maximize the surface area for place photo-voltaic cells that convert solar energy into electric form. It seeks to rectify range issues with electric vehicles with an internal combustion engine that may be used as and when required.

8. California Beach Transit by Matthew Giammarino

This solar powered concept is meant for a pleasant drive along the beach. The concept can be directed along a path by wireless signals. The sensors on either side ensure that the twelve wheeled concept comes to a halt as soon as an object is detected, along its path, in the vicinity. The passengers can hop in and out easily from either side. The ride becomes even more enjoyable with music on board due to the four speakers in place.

9. Flake Concept Car

This solar powered concept goes a step further for research and innovation in the domain. The flakes on the car can aid cooling while serving as air brakes as and when needed. The use of nano-tube cables and electromagnetic solenoids to maximize energy generation from solar power is indeed an out of the ordinary concept.

10. Solaris car by Ali Jafari

The Aurora Survivor 2050 winning, solar powered, electric, concept not only bowls you over in terms of aesthetics but the performance too gets the drools. The two seater, likely to be seen rolling by 2013, can go as high as 93 mph in speed.