Page 133 - How It Works - Book Of Amazing Answers To Curious Questions, Volume 05-15

Transport

The Immortus will be a 40kW
composite roadster, weighing
around half a ton

Can cars be solar

powered? Inspired by post-apocalyptic movies, the

Immortus can drive on sunshine alone

his limited edition, solar-electric sports you slow the average speed down to 60
car is the brainchild of a small electric kilometres (37 miles) per hour, it will be possible Inspiring future
T vehicle company called EVX, which is for the Immortus to keep going all day, limited technology
currently working on a prototype that should be only by the availability of sunshine. Its ability
ready by the end of 2016. The car will absorb the to store power while in motion will be hugely While designing the solar car technology that
Sun’s energy via almost seven square metres significant, helping it to deliver excellent will feature in the Immortus, EVX have identifi ed

(75 square feet) of photovoltaic cells spread performance when needed, reaching a top several innovations that could be incredibly
useful to car manufacturers around the world.
across its roof, and will also feature a plug-in speed of over 150 kilometres (93 miles) per hour One such technology is a hybrid retrofi t kit,
electric powertrain, complete with a lithium- with combined electric and solar energy. which will convert petrol-powered vehicles into
ion battery pack. Measuring five by two metres There is still much work to be done before the plug-in hybrids, giving owners the ability to make

(16.4 by 6.6 feet) it will be by no means small, Immortus can become a reality; EVX are older cars environmentally friendly. This kit will
with enough room for two occupants plus seeking funding of almost £1 million ($1.5 also increase acceleration after breaking and
hand luggage. million) in order to start production. Once they turn conventional two-wheel drive cars into
By combining a fully charged battery and the have obtained this funding they are expected to four-wheel drive. EVX have also theorised a
Sun’s rays, the Immortus will have a range of make only 100 units, which will retail for an lightweight, air-cooled battery box, which is
over 550 kilometres (342 miles) when travelling estimated £326,000 ($500,000). At least essential for the Immortus and could soon be
applicable to the aeronautic and mining
at 85 kilometres (53 miles) per hour. However, if prospective buyers will save on fuel!
industries, as they are likely to rely on electric
technology in the future. The designers also
want to develop small cameras to replace wing
mirrors, as this will reduce air resistance and
make future electric cars even more effi cient.
EVX’s hybrid retrofit kit will
allow drivers to reduce their
fuel consumption without
buying a new car

How It Works 133