Solar, wind, electric powered car?


Question:
Would this type of thing be possible.. to have to windmill type things on the top along with solar panels and some back up electric just in case its cloudy or to get the car started-- the wind would work when you were moving since it would be turning the windmills... and to have all of this energy being held in a battery which would power the car..
Any major problems you could see in this design?

Answer:
Solar power is very limited, if you look at solar powered vehicles, they are extremely light, slow and expensive so not practical when you factor in other requirements of a vehicle such as crash protection and comfort items that get heavy.

A windmill mounted on a vehicle would be powered, effectively, by the vehicle itself so when you factor in losses due to any machine not being 100% efficient, you end up worse off.

I believe there is a large reward offered for anyone that can produce perpetual motion, which is what you are suggesting with a windmill.
The solar panels wouldn't produce enough power to go very fast or haul much weight. The solar racers that are out there don't go very fast and they are very small and light. Adding the windmills would increase the drag and the extra weight would make it so they didn't help at all.
If you cover whole car (say civic) with solar cells, you will get power just enough to run a hair dryer.
The solar cells will cost about USD 5000 plus installation.
But hey this is a good idea. One easy idea is to add panels to a hybrid car, that already has batteries and stuff. While your car is parked the panels will add energy to batteries that will improve millage
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