Though their lack of emissions is admirable, the knock on electric vehicles is that their power is likely derived from dirty sources. Could a new solar-powered car unveiled by Ford kick-start the era of renewable energy-powered transportation?
Ariel Schwartz reports on Ford's new C-MAX Solar Energi Concept, which was unveiled last week. The concept vehicle is "a version of the C-MAX plug-in hybrid that's outfitted with 16 square feet of photovoltaic panels on its roof. The vehicle, which takes six to seven hours to charge fully, can run on solar energy for 21 miles before switching to gasoline."
Though the car's lengthy charging period and limited range limit its practicality, there's reason to be optimistic. "In theory, there are a few advantages compared to traditional plug-in electric vehicles," Schwartz explains. "Solar-powered cars are cheaper, since they don't require costly power from utilities, and they are guaranteed to be powered by 100% renewable energy."
In an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, John O'Dell, senior editor for the Edmunds.com auto information website, was circumspect in his analysis: "It sounds like an interesting experiment. I'm not sure it has much real-world application."
Thanks to Irvin Dawid
FULL STORY: Is Ford's Solar Car The Holy Grail For Renewable Energy-Powered Transportation?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

HSR Reaches Key Settlement in Northern California City
The state’s high-speed rail authority reached an agreement with Millbrae, a key city on the train’s proposed route to San Francisco.

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill
A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.

Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users
A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.
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