A solar powered car is an electric car which is powered by the suns energy, which is obtained from solar panels on the surface of the vehicle. Photovoltaic cells convert the suns energy directly into electrical energy. Solar powered vehicles are not practical every day uses of transportation at present, but are mostly demonstration vehicles and engineering exercises, which are often sponsored by government agencies.

There are solar cars, which are not primarily solar energy, they combine technology, used in aerospace, bicycle, alternative energy and automotive industries. The solar car is severely limited by the amount of energy put into it by batteries and power from the sun. All solar cars that have been built have been used for the purpose of solar car races, because they are not yet capable to go on the road against normal cars.

Like a lot of race cars, the driver’s cockpit usually has room for just one person; however some of them contain room for a second passenger.

The cars contain a lot of the features that are available in normal cars such as brakes, accelerator, indicators, rear view mirrors, air con, and some times even cruise control.

Solar cars are usually fitted with gauges like in conventional cars. The driver’s main priority is to keep an eye on these gauges to spot possible problems. Solar powered cars can also have what is called wireless telemetry, and this allows the driver’s team to monitor the cars energy consumption, solar energy and other parameters and free the driver to concentrate on just driving.

The main thing to remember is that you cannot use solar panels on regular cars, they have to be electric.

The electrical system is the most important part of the cars system because it controls the power that comes in and out of the system. The battery pack in the car has the same use that a petrol tank has in a normal car in storing the power for future use. Solar cars use a range of batteries including lead acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, lithium ion batteries and lithium polymern batteries.

Solar race cars have complex data systems that monitor the whole electrical system while even the simplest cars have systems that provide information on battery voltage and current to the driver.

So these solar powered cars are very clever, and efficient.

Solar powered cars are designed to keep friction and weight to a minimum while still maintaining strength. Titanium and composites are normally used by designers to ensure a good strength-to-weight ratio.

Solar cars usually have three wheels but some can have four. Three wheeled cars usually have two at the front and one at the rear: the front wheels steer and the rear obviously follows behind. The four wheeled cars are set up just like normal cars. One day we may be learning to drive in these cars as they are increasing in technology every day and are definitely the most environmentally friendly.

Chris Woolfrey is the solar panel expert at EcoSwitch The environmental social network.

Lincoln introduced at the North American International Auto
Show an entirely new generation of consumers to the qualities
that have made Lincoln a classic American luxury marque for more
than 70 years.

The Duratec 30 V-6 is the heart of Lincoln Zephyr’s power train.
Using intake Variable Cam Timing (i-VCT) to improve torque and
reduce emissions, the engine generates 210 horsepower and 200
foot-pounds of torque. More importantly, it is the cleanest
Duratec 30 ever, and will be rated for ULEV II tailpipe
emissions in California, with a U.S. federal government rating
of Tier II, Bin 5 tailpipe and LEV II evaporative emissions in
states outside California.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle -
gradually emerging as the new industry standard for luxury cars.
The innovative, wide-ratio transmission plays a key role in
Lincoln Zephyr’s performance and smooth operation.

The overall span of the ratios is approximately 6:1 versus 4.5:1
for a typical five-speed, which allows this smaller, more
fuel-efficient engine to deliver efficient gas mileage along
with a strong performance feel. Another feature is that the
modern six-speed automatic is lighter than some competitor’s
four- and five-speed transaxles, boosting performance and
economy further. The Lincoln zephyr also uses an electronic
throttle control that works with the electronically controlled
transaxle to ensure seamless shifts.

Lincoln Zephyr’s two row side air curtains also feature
“roll-fold” technology - a Ford Motor Company exclusive in the
mid-size segment. If an occupant is improperly seated and
resting his or her head against a window, the air bag is
designed to slide between the glass and occupant as it inflates.
Typical side air curtains unfold like an accordion, using the
occupant’s head to keep the bag between the glass and the body.
Lincoln’s roll-fold keeps the air curtain against the glass,
even when the occupant is out of position.

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Heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and sport utility vehicles are
not the only ones that can haul cargo. It may be hard to
believe, but motorcycles can be equipped with hitches as well.
Motorcycle trailer hitches can be added to motorcycles to allow
riders to haul up to several hundred pounds of materials. These
are not the only type of motorcycle trailers available. Other
trailers that attach to trucks are designed to haul the
motorcycles themselves.

Motorcycle trailer hitches can usually be attached to a
motorcycle without making any alterations on the motorcycle
itself. They are often secured around existing parts of the
motorcycle. These trailer hitches are perfect for motorcycle
riders taking a long cross country trip that need to pack a
large amount of supplies. There are specific trailers made just
for motorcycles that attach to these hitches. Different types of
hitches are made specifically for use on certain makes of
motorcycles. To ensure that the hitch will fit on the
motorcycle, it is important to buy the correct hitch for the
exact motorcycle make and model. Generally, 500 pounds is the
maximum weight limit that motorcycle trailer hitches can bear.
Motorcycle trailer hitches usually use hitch ball and mount
similar to those found on trucks.

Other motorcycle trailers are made to transport the actual
motorcycles. These trailers attach to standard hitches found on
many pickups. They are good for towing non-operational
motorcycles or hauling the motorcycle over especially rough
terrain or over long distances. Some motorcycle trailers are
large enough to contain up to three motorcycles at once. The
trailers are usually open air, meaning that they do not provide
cover or protection from the elements.

Motorcycle trailer hitches allow riders to take necessary
supplies with them on long journeys. Without a motorcycle
trailer, it would be impossible for many bikers to take the
items they need over the course of a trip along with them.

Scooters are fun rides and they are ideal for short trips to the grocery and other local errand, around the neighborhood, and going to and from the school.

As gasoline prices increase, scooters are finding its place in the market. People start appreciating this compact and efficient way of traveling. Last year alone, the sales of scooters doubled which is a good benchmark for its rising popularity and practicality.

The advantages of riding an electric scooter include:

• Huge savings in gas. Depending on the make and model, an electric scooter will travel 70 miles for a gallon of gas.
• It gives you the freedom of traveling even when you have lost your driving privileges, driving on very narrow streets, creating shortcuts, making point to point travel, and not depending on public transport.
• Riding on electric scooters was a good alternative for the Chinese, Thai’s and other Southeast Asian nations during the SARS outbreak as it allows them to travel without the fear of contacting the disease in cramped public transport.
• Scooters are easily parked and tucked away. Electric scooters are small enough to be taken inside a public transport and require very little space for parking. It could be tucked away in a small space while being recharged.
• Electric scooters do not emit fumes and pollutants like its gas fed counterpart.
• Electric scooters are fun to drive and in many cases are considered to be more romantic than the gas fed scooters when dating.
• Electric scooters have better hill climbing capability when compared to its gas-powered engines that also have delays during the ramp up.

Electric scooters work by adding a battery and a motor to a kick scooter. Normally, bicycle hand breaks are used, a switch that controls the speed is mounted and batteries are fitted beneath the feet.

Electric scooters are often seen as toys. Because of this, there are still very few regulations to the use of electric scooters. Its speed ranges from a low of 10 MPH to 30 MPH. With some designs, the driver can coast freewheel while others do not.

Electric scooters accelerate easily and have a better climbing capability. The batteries are rechargeable from an ordinary electrical outlet. Every charging is approximately .05 cents, and you can expect full charging in less than eight hours although many electrical scooters are fast chargers.

The performance of your electric scooters, like most vehicles can heavily affected by the terrain (hills, road construction, inclines and slopes), wind conditions, tire inflation, the weight of its load, the size of its batteries and the systems efficiency.

Depending on the make, electric scooter price ranges from $250 to $2000+. Many people when buying prefer to trust the brand. However, if you are planning to buy an electric scooter, do not pick something based on the price alone and even by the brand factor alone. Branding for sure can help as bigger and better known manufacturers will protect their reputation but it will always be smart to check the scooter out if it is solidly made. Well made scooters can easily be repaired and parts could be available. When choosing an electric scooter, ask your dealer about reparability and parts availability. Those that are not solidly made may be cheaper but you might not be enjoying longer rides with it and when the electric scooter breaks down, they could be as good as gone.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides electric scooter resources on http://www.your-electric-scooter.info.