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Old 02-03-2012, 10:51 PM   #8 (permalink)
NeilBlanchard
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Here's a straight profile:



Darn close to the ideal profile, and the underside tapers upward nicely. If the wheel covers were not flat (in the back especially), and maybe with a narrower rear track, the drag could be even lower? But a Cd of 0.14 is a awesome achievement.

The wheels are the motors (4 wheel drive) and top speed is about 100kph. The PV cells total 835W (if my memory serves) and that means this car is very efficient. I wonder how long it takes to charge enough to drive and if they can sustain it at a decent speed in bright sun? The video shows a fairly small battery pack, so the buffer is what gets you through the shadows. Solar racers have to slow down in the sun to build up the charge, and then speed through the shadows. It makes driving them even more complicated, apparently.

It is great that the best looking solar car is also the most practical. I hope they can tell us what the Wh/mile are at say 45 or 55mph. Any guesses? I'd think about 50-60Wh/mile.
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