Solar Vehicles
August 2, 2010
Recycled Catamaran Plastiki Completes Voyage
The Plastiki, a boat made up of recycled materials, has successfully sailed from San Francisco to Sydney after a 4 month trek of 9,000 miles. During the trip, the catamaran sailed through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a sea of waste between California and Hawaii. The hull is made of 12,500 plastic bottles and the mast is a recycled irrigation pipe. Everything is held together with an organic glue made from cashew husks and sugarcane. Plastiki gets its power from solar panels and windmills.
Ironically, expedition leader David de Rothschild wanted to recycle the boat after its voyage but instead it will now be displayed in Sydney's Maritime Museum.
Via MSNBC
April 19, 2010
Solar Impulse Takes Flight
The Solar Impulse Plane has made its first successful flight. The plane reached 5,500 ft. in altitude and performed a few test maneuvers during its airborne 87 minutes. After the event, pilot Markus Scherdel claimed it was an "intense moment." The team plans two more test flights before its around the world flight scheduled for 2012.
Via Solar Impulse
March 17, 2010
Zep'lin, Spokesboat for Renault
Designer Damien Grossemy's Zep'lin is a vertical flying sailboat conceived for Renault. Solar panels tilt towards the sun for energy and lithium ion batteries store the extra energy. Expected to be built by 2015, the vehicle will be used to promote the car company's electric cars.
Via Damien Grossemy
March 15, 2010
Solar Rickshaws at Commonwealth Games
When the Commonwealth Games begin in October in New Delhi, India, the government and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research have arranged for 1,000 solar powered rickshaws to carry the competitors around. The Soleckshaws are both pedal and motor vehicles that can move about 10-15 km/hr with a 240W,36 volt BLDC hub Motor. The CSIR believes this to be a demonstration of what they can do and hope that they will be utilized when the games are over.
Via Energy Matters
March 9, 2010
Man Treks to Key West In Solar Stroller
Bruce Maynard, who used to run marathons, now has some knee problems but still wants to travel 30 miles a day from Bellingham, UK to Key West, Florida. To accomplish his lofty mission, he is traveling in a solar- and battery-powered stroller. Nicknamed "Sam", the vehicle has a foldable solar panel that doubles as a work table and computer stand. The 74 year-old former businessman will also carry along a tent for shelter during his ambitious trek. Although he is not doing this for any charitable reason, he plans to participate in any green events that he runs across. Bon voyage, Mr. Maynard.
Via Bellingham Herald
March 8, 2010
Mo-Du-Lo Rides 3 Ways
The "Mo-Du-Lo" is so named because the modular car can be made into three different versions. The Mo is a monocycle operated by pedals. The Du is a 4-wheeled car with two monocycles that can accomodate 2 and can be run by batteries that have gotten their power from photovoltaic cells. The Lo version connects many cars and monocycles to create trains and can be used for long distance traveling. The concept was part of the Michelin Challenge Design Showcase.
Via Michelin Challenge
February 10, 2010
Texan HS Students Build Solar Tractor
Students at Bonham ISD High School, in Bonham, Texas are converting a donated tractor to run on solar power. Its electric batteries will run with the help of a solar array or can be plugged in on overcast days. Once the E-Tractor is complete, it will be used in a driving certification/safety course. We bet it will be involved in several joyrides as well.
Via Makezine
January 6, 2010
Infinity Urban Commuter Trike
Tim Tobola designed the Urban Commuter Trike as his contribution to less dependence on oil. The solar panels, with a charge of 2 hours to its battery, can give the vehicle 20 - 30 miles of traveling. With weight sensitive front wheels, the rider can easily change directions. When not in use, the Infinity can fold up to save space on the planet.
Via Earth Techling
December 15, 2009
Sanyo Debuts Solar Electric Vehicle
Sanyo introduced its latest green idea, the Solar Electric Vehicle. Debuting at the Eco Products 2009 International Exhibition at Tokyo Big Sight last week, it is powered by solar panels and lithium ion batteries. It uses a 16 hour solar charge to get it on its way or 8 hours via 100V AC.
Via Ubergizmo
December 14, 2009
Solar Impulse Takes Off
The Solar Impulse HB-SIA made its maiden flight last week from Dubendorf Airfield, near Zurich, Switzerland. Made to fly day and night with no need for fuel, 4 electric props and a bank of batteries powered the prototype aircraft. It traveled a meter off the ground and successfully landed after making it 350 meters (1,148 feet.) The company is looking forward to more flights this spring.
Via Solar Impulse
December 9, 2009
Mc Type 2 Motorcycle - Vroom, Solar Style
Keegan McClain's entry into the Michelin Challenge Design 2010 is the Mc Type 2 motorcycle. The vehicle can keep up with the big boys on the highway and runs on 148 3.3V lithium-ion cells that are located at the base of the frame. The batteries can be recharged by solar energy or a 110V outlet on those overcast days.
Via Keegan McClain
December 3, 2009
C3 Hotel Cube Designed For Travel
Jianbo Huang and Ting Zhao designed the C3 Hotel Cube that only has two rooms. With solar power as its source of electricity, the modernistic trailer is designed with some interesting ideas on sewer storage, semi-open space for claustrophobics and electronically controlled colored glass that can adjust in transparency.
Via Yanko
November 24, 2009
Harmony Hits the Land and Water
China's Weili Feng designed the Harmony, a vehicle for both land and water. The "environmental friendly new energy power system" runs mostly on hydrogen battery and 4 electric motors but also has a retractable solar paddle on the roof that can be used for power or as a sail. Large enough for 4, this RV looks like part of the future for travelers.
Via Design Boom
November 18, 2009
GreenTow Trailer Creates Mobile Power
Need power on the fly? GreenTow Trailers provide mobile power where it's needed most. Take it to a remote mountain cabin, on an excavation or use when power has been lost during an emergency. The solar panels can be adjusted with a switch and can turn to get the most sunshine per buck. Onboard batteries store the energy for those cloudy days. Included is a Kubota generator and current conversion inverter. Contact GreenTow for more details.
Via Green Tow
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