Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
	Q. How fast can it go?
	A. The solar car was designed to reach a top speed greater than 100mph. The fastest we have driven so far is about 80mph.
	Q. What is the car's 0 to 60 time?
	A. Solar car races are typically races of endurance. Fast acceleration and hard braking waste a lot of power. Therefore, we haven't timed our acceleration
	Q. How much power does the solar array produce?
	A. This depends on greatly on the time of day, the day of the year, the geographical location, and the weather. In optimal conditions the array should be able to generate up to 1800 Watts. To put that in perspective that is about the same amount of power as some hair driers use or enough power for 30 60W light bulbs.
	Q. Are there batteries in it?
	A. Yes, the solar car uses batteries to even out our power consumption. During the middle of the day we drive slower than we could off of the solar array and at other times of the day we supplement our solar power with stored energy.
	Q. What type of solar panels are on it?
	A. The solar panel uses high efficiency GaAs solar cells from TECSTAR. TECSTAR produce a wide range of solar cells used on satellites. Solar Motions was the only team at the 1999 World Solar Challenge using space grade solar cells. Contributions by companies like TECSTAR have helped make Solar Motions one of the most competitive teams in the world.
	Q. How much does it cost?
	A. The solar car was built with both cash and in-kind donations from sponsors such as Space Systems Loral, the Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation, and TECSTAR. The market value of the materials used on the car would exceed $1 million. Solar Motions is currently seeking out sponsors that will help us improve the car and win the 2005 World Solar Challenge. If you are interested in finding out more about sponsorship please see our sponsorship page.
	Q. When will I be able to buy one of these for myself?
	A. Purely solar powered cars are not practical; however, many of the technologies that go into solar car racing have applications in real-world industries - including the automotive industry. For instance, the same materials used on our body are used newer airplanes and in satellites; our in-hub motor and digital controller may have uses in electric or fuel cell cars; and our digital solar array controller may be useful in the power generation or satellite industries. Many technologies from Honda's solar car project have found their way into their alternative fuel vehicles. While solar cells may never be relied upon to supply all the power for a commercial car, they may someday be used to improve the range of electric or fuel cell vehicles.
	Q. Does this technology have any real-world applications?
	A. See answer above.
	Q. Why does it look like a flying saucer?
	A. Our shape was refined though the use of sophisticated computer modeling tools by our sponsor EDS. Because of this optimization the drag on our car is roughly 1/15 that of a conventional automobile.
	Q. Is the car safe?
	A. While there are always risks involved in using cutting edge technology, we have attempted to make the car safe. The body of the car is weak enough to absorb shock, while the chassis is strong enough to protect the driver. In an emergency the driver can remove the bubble and escape out the top of the car. We have already had a couple of unfortunate accidents with the car. Luckily no one has been injured.
	Q. How does the driver fit in the car?
	A. The driver sits in a reclined position with his/her feet toward the front of the car and head and the bubble.
	Q. How does the driver get in and out of the car?
	A. Usually, four team members lift the body of the car off and the driver steps out. In an emergency the driver can escape through the bubble area.
	Q. What are the controls like?
	A. The car has accelerator and brake pedals like a regular car. Instead of a steering wheel, the driver uses two levers. There are switches to turn the solar array and motor on and off. There are also switches for the turn signals and buttons for the cruise control.