Summer is upon us: they say it could be rainy, but there are still those who are betting on the sun. Indeed, on the solar car. Sure, for anyone staying in California (like the microcar maker WAV extension) it's easier.
The company has just decided to add photovoltaic roofs to all of its electric vehicles in the GEM range. And he may have hit a coup.
More energy, less costs and less pollution
There's a reason GEM electric vehicles have earned the definition of "neighborhood car." Small, light, above all efficient, they are designed for short journeys, ideal for those who live in the city or in small communities.
And the speed? Don't worry: even if they don't exceed 40 km/h, they are really cheap to drive and, more importantly, environmentally friendly. They produce the least possible amount of air pollution, and electric versions, such as the GEM models, emit not a single gram of exhaust fumes.
Upgrade from mini solar car
Now that these microcars have gone one step further: thanks to a solar panel on the roof, they can capture free solar energy and use it to recharge the internal battery. According to WAEV, this feature could provide extra battery life from 7 to 20 km per day, depending on the model.
And do you think it's too little? For vehicles suitable for small daily trips, it is a godsend. Especially if you consider the fact that other vehicles of this kind, even if equipped with panels, have very little autonomy. The reduced size and weight of the GEMs allow for much higher performance.
Microcars were born for small ranges of action, where journeys are short and maximum speed is limited. In these contexts, a small and light vehicle is just as capable and comfortable as a large and heavy one (with even more unique advantages, such as the possibility of parking in tighter spaces).
Sustainability / tailored to the city
The move seems not bad to me: in a context (that of solar cars) that never takes off, WAEV's announcement damnedly focuses on the practical.
The director, Joe Kenney, he looks enthusiastic. “Sustainability has been at the heart of the GEM philosophy for more than 20 years and we will continue to provide our customers – both individuals and businesses – with more sustainable ways to get around,” he said.
A promise that its little GEMs could really keep, one solar charge at a time.
