Solar-roofed REVA L-ions go on Indian Climate Solutions Road Tour
Having just announced the coming availability of lithium ion power to their vehicles, the REVA Electric Car Company (RECC) is sending three of the new variants on the road with the Indian Climate Solutions Road Tour. Company founder and CTO, Chetan Maini, was at the send off and spoke about the Tour being a great opportunity for the company to "showcase its advanced technology to battle environmental issues."
These specially-prepared REVA L-ions each sport an eco-statement paint scheme as well as a solar-paneled roof which should add a few extra miles to the car's range. Speaking of range, Mangalorean.com states that these cars can go between 93 and 124 miles on a charge, somewhat further than the 75 miles that the REVA L-ions available for sale are said to be capable of. The trip will cover 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles) and travel through 15 cities and is meant to raise awareness and convert that awareness into action. Hit the jump for video of a news spot featuring footage of the cars at the event and Mr. Maini talking about the new batteries and new sales markets.
[Source: Mangalorean.com / Indian Climate Solutions Road Tour]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard in FLA 8:45PM (1/07/2009)
I've always liked the idea of solar panel on the roof, hood, and trunk of the car. Although currently they don't provide a lot of extra juice, it's a start. In time the efficiency will increase and hopefully we'll be able to get 30-40 extra miles from just the sun, enough for a days' driving. Also, solar panels on roofs soften the load requirements of the grid.
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jeff 11:56PM (1/07/2009)
Regardless of how far solar panel tech improves, there are only so many watts per square meter coming from the sun. I don't think panels on a car will ever be able to provide 40 miles of typical driving. That is assuming we're talking about a regular useable car, not a super efficient and streamlined solar race car with ample surface area.
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jeff 11:56PM (1/07/2009)
ps. props to Pasha at 0:47!
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Mike!!ekiM 12:33AM (1/08/2009)
A Prius Station-Wagon, with solar panel, works for me.
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jharlan 1:18PM (1/08/2009)
Let's be practical here. This is an advertising gimmick. There just isn't enough surface area on a vehicle to produce significant power with solar panels, even if they were 100% efficient..
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