Solar vehicles are those vehicles that are powered by solar energy, they use solar panels to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity to power the electric motor that drives the vehicle.

THE ROLE OF SOLAR VEHICLES IN MOBILITY

These vehicles are a sustainable and environmentally friendly form of transport, as they emit no greenhouse gas emissions and make use of renewable energy sources.

To date, solar vehicles have experienced gradual and steady growth, although their presence on the roads is still limited compared to conventional vehicles. It should be noted that the development and uptake of solar vehicles may vary from country to country in Europe due to differences in infrastructure, climate and government policies.

As solar vehicles play an important role in sustainable mobility and have the potential to contribute significantly to the reduction of the carbon footprint in the transport sector, we can highlight the following key aspects:

  • The electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in on-board batteries that are essential to store energy during sunlight hours and allow the vehicle to operate when sunlight is not available.
  • These types of vehicles usually have an aerodynamic design optimised to reduce wind resistance and thus improve energy efficiency.
  • Lightweight construction is essential to minimise energy consumption. Lightweight materials such as carbon and aluminium are used to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.
  • Energy management systems are essential to manage the electricity generated by the solar panels and its distribution to the battery and engine.
  • In solar vehicles, energy storage is one of the biggest challenges. The batteries must be efficient and capable of storing energy enough to allow the vehicle to operate throughout the night or in low light conditions.

In conclusion, solar vehicles are an innovative form of transport that harnesses solar energy to operate in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Efficiency, design and energy storage are key aspects for the performance and viability of these vehicles in various applications.

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