Why Solar Mobility?
There are many compelling reasons to support solar mobility. Compared to fossil-fuel-based mobility, the advantages are obvious.
1. Solar mobility is emissions-free
- No CO2 emissions
- No NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions and therefore no atmospheric ozone layer problems
- No benzene fumes
- No fine dust or soot particles emitted
- No noise pollution - the engines are very quiet
2. Solar mobility is energy-efficient
Energy is valuable, but modern engines convert only about 30% of the energy into driving power; the rest, about 70%, is wasted. An electric motor provides more than twice the energy output, about 68%, and no polluting chemicals or soot, very little noise, and much less heat.
3. Solar mobility is resource-efficient
The electricity for electric vehicles can, obviously, be generated by coal-fired or nuclear power plants. But continuing to use these sources creates at least two primary problems: coal reserves are finite and nuclear waste Solar energy, however, is almost unlimited and produces no pollutants. Photovoltaic charging stations also produce solar energy where it is needed - which eliminates any need for transport of the energy source.
4. Solar mobility is space-efficient
Electric and hybrid cars also have a decisive advantage over agrifueled engines: more mobility for the same area used. A simple calculation illustrates this: assume that a vehicle "consumes" 15 kWh/100 km and drives 15,000 km per year. This requires about 1 hectare of land to supply 1-2 vehicles. In comparison, the electricity generated from 1 hectare of land by a solar power plant can supply up to 100 electrical cars. (The photovoltaic modules generating the electricity need not be on land useful for food production or other purposes: the modules can be placed on rooftops and other non-productive spaces.)