The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize competition isn't the only competition of green vehicles going on right now. The American Solar Challenge is also underway, with the teams racing solar powered cars from Oklahoma to Illinois over 7 days of competition. This year is the 20th anniversary of the competition, which began with the first Sunrayce in 1990. Seventeen teams from universities in the US, Canada, Germany, and Taiwan are racing the 1200 mile (1931 km) course which is due to finish in Naperville, Illinois on Saturday.
Though these are still very limited, specialized vehicles, the performance that the teams have been able to get from these vehicles is impressive. Some of the vehicles taking part in the competition have tested at over 100 mph (161 kph), although they are limited to 65 mph (105 kph) during the race.
Solar cars are testbeds for aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight construction, as well as for solar cells, batteries, and electric motors. While a commercial solar car isn't coming anytime soon, the engineering developments from these events do help to promote the improvement of transportaion efficiency.
Link: American Solar Challenge
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written by Lubby, June 26, 2010
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written by Gary, June 26, 2010
It is obvious from the sclerophyllus shrubs and the side of the road the vehicle upon which the car is driving that this is a photograph taken on the Sturt Highway depicting a race from the original series which were held between Darwin and Alice Springs a very long time ago.
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written by Josh, June 27, 2010
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written by Matt, June 29, 2010
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written by heidi, July 25, 2010
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