As the campaign for more environment-friendly power sources continues, it looks like consumer market versions of the solar-powered cars used in the Australian World Solar Challenge races may become available soon.

As good as it sounds, there are some tradeoffs: Ay Herchang, research and development leader of a team from National Kaohsiung University of Applies Sciences, mentioned that speed had to be sacrificed in order to provide additional room for passengers. The solar-powered car's top speed is currently at 70 kph.

Nevertheless, Ay Herchang's solar-powered car stil yields enormous benefits. The vehicle runs on a battery charged by sunlight, which can power the car for up to three hours. The car itself is durable, lightweight and fire resistant due to its Nomex honeycomb parts. It's also easy to park due to its 3 x 1.3 meter frame.