Untitled Document
 |
Prius Without Solar Cells |
Hybrid automobiles can be made even more environmentally friendly by the addition
of solar cells. Environmentalist Steven Letendre says, "If the 200 million
cars in the United States had 500 watts of solar cells integrated into their body
panels, it would represent roughly one-seventh of the total installed generating
capacity in the United States." While it's doubtful that people will embed
solar cells in the bodies of their older cars, new hybrid automobiles could be
manufactured this way.
This would add about $1,500 to the cost of a new Prius and would be put into panels
on the hood, roof and trunk, and “would allow a hybrid vehicle to be partially
powered using solar energy," says Letendre. Hybrid cars use both an internal
combustion engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle.
This would be a better option than fighting a war in Iraq in order to secure
affordable oil for the future.
Hydrogen- powered cars may never be viable, because the hydrogen molecule is
so small that it escapes from the gas tank. It's also highly flammable, which
is another danger. But a hybrid with solar cells could be the green car of the
future.
