The use of solar energy as an alternative to traditional hybrid vehicles has been discussed, and even researched, but there is not really a mass-produced option available to interested consumers. To fill this gap, the Sunmotor Group has designed the Sunmotor Coupe.

“Sunmotor Project was initiated in 2005. Sunmotor vehicle is a pure green vehicle, an automobile primary driven by solar energy and electricity. Sunmotor vehicle protects environment in two ways, zero emissions and less petrol fuel dependant. Sunmotor Coupe is the first vehicle developed by Sunmotor Group LLC. Sunmotor Coupe will be introduced into both domestic and international markets in 2008.” (Source: Sunmotor Group LLC)

Availability

A sales representative from the company has informed me that the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive in Massachusetts later this month and interested consumers can expect a three to four month wait time if they were to place an order. The company has a current production level of 10,000 vehicles per year but plans to increase that number to 30,000 vehicles per year once a manufacturing plant in Massachusetts opens.

Features

The Sunmotor Coupe comes with a variety of standard options including an anti-lock braking system, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM CD entertainment system with four speakers, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and more.

Specifications

The Sunmotor Coupe has a 10 horsepower motor with a 20KWH battery capacity and posts a 0-40 mpg time of six seconds. The top highway speed is electronically limited to 25 mph but the top speed as tested on a track was 54 mph. The vehicle will be available in two models with the DX having an estimated range of 160 miles and the EX a 400 mile range.

For more information on the Sunmotor Coupe, visit the company’s website or call their Massachusetts headquarters at (978) 662-5355

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Filed Under: Solar

For a variety of reasons, it is becoming increasingly apparent that oil is not likely to be the primary fuel of our future.  This begs the question – which alternative fuel will dominate the future?  Will there only be one alternative fuel or perhaps manufacturers will embrace this oil-dependent age and understand that diversifying is an integral part of not repeating our current situation? 

If you notice the poll in the sidebar, we’re interested in hearing which alternative fuel will have the greatest impact on reducing emissions.  As of right now we have 38 votes with electric garnering 42% of those votes. 

Electric
There are many gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles available in today’s market.  In addition to the hybrids, there are also 100% electric vehicles available for purchase.  In looking to the future, many of the world’s largest car manufacturers are planning for an electric vehicle production vehicle to be released in 2010.  That’s only two years away.  Could electric bee the main alternative fuel used in the future?

Hydrogen
Hydrogen has received 24% of the total votes in the poll.  The Scorpion, a planned hydrogen vehicle by Ronn Motor Company, is only one of the many hydrogen vehicles being planned for future production.  Residents of California can get in on the leading edge of hydrogen fuel by leasing a Honda FCX Clarity.  The Clarity produces zero emissions; when I participated in the poll, this is the option that I chose.

Solar, Biofuels, Natural Gas
The last three choices in the poll received a collective 34% of the total votes.  Solar vehicles aren’t something that seems to make the major media outlets on a regular basis despite the fact that a future model of the Toyota Prius will have solar panels to power the car’s air conditioning.

Biofuels are currently available to a large portion of drivers in the form of E85 and the infrastructure to provide E85 to the general public is already in place.  Natural gas received the lowest number of votes; so far the T. Boone Pickens Energy Plan seems to be the biggest supporter of NGVs.

Today I’d like to pose a thought-provoking question to the readers of The Green Motorist and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic.  Which alternative fuel is our future?

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Filed Under: Biodiesel Hybrid, General, Solar, electric vehicles, hydrogen

The very first solar powered bluetooth headset has arrived. It is by a company called Iqua and features bluetooth connectivity and all you need to power up is rays from the Sun.

Model: Iqua 603 SUN
Size: 48 L x 25 W x 12 H
Weight: 14g
TalkTime: Up to 12H
Standby Time: Infinite (in sunlight)
Battery Type: 3.7v/110mAh Lithium-Polymer
Operating Distance: 10 meters

It’s too bad the contest over at CellPhone 9 ended, as they had an Iqua Sun 603 giveaway. The lucky winner was announced just this past Monday. Congrats, Lori.

This headset should net you a good run, plus no batteries are required, and you can use both outdoor and indoor light for this solar powered headset. Grab one online at Iqua.

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Filed Under: Autos, Solar, drivers