ENERGIES... week of February 28, 1999
	SUN POWERED CARS?
	Could these be available in the near future for everyday transportation? Technically the cars are feasible, although different, and people would probably buy them, but the political, economic and corporate realities that determine which new transportation innovations to offer to consumers - at least at this point in time - say "probably not." However, solar powered cars should not be ignored. These cars are excellent engineering research tools for solar panels, power and drive systems, materials and aerodynamics that can eventually find their way to the production line for any future car, or used in other applications. This being so, major corporations support their development. Solar Motions, a Silicon Valley California solar car team, will unveil its entrant for the World Solar Challenge on March 18. The slick car is expected to reach a top speed in excess of 105 mph under the right conditions, according to the organization. The Challenge is a 2000 mile, five-day road race from Darwin to Adelaide starting October 17 this year. Typically there are up to 50 entrants and cars can easily exceed a million dollars apiece in development costs. Visit Solar Motions at http:www.solarmotions.com , Applied Engineering at http://www.appliedengineering.com and the Challenge at http://www.wsc.org.au