History's Innovative Autos
Solar electric
In 1987, General Motors harnessed solar rays to help run its
Sunraycer experimental racing vehicle (above). The Sunraycer's
photovoltaic cells converted the sun's energy directly into
electrical energy; the electricity then powered an electric motor
that drove the car. Although similar technology is still used in
special aerodynamic racecars, any purely solar-powered road vehicle
designed to meet general safety standards would be larger and much
heavier than the Sunraycer, requiring more power than can yet be
generated to achieve highway speeds.