The Future of Cars #4

Magnifying Solar Power

Electric cars, hydrogen cars, and now solar cars? All for the environmentally friendly people, this is one more step away from fossil fuels. The goal is the endless supply of renewable energy, like sunlight. Now, thanks to a late invention, a giant magnifying glass could be powering your future car. 

Developers from Georgia Tech have joined Ford Motors to build a concept hybrid car that would park under a special concentrator that magnifies the sun's rays to recharge the C-Max Solar Energi vehicle. In one day of charging you can achieve 620 miles worth of driving. 

The C-Max Concept has 5 foot wide solar panels on the car's roof with a specialized design to capture and intensify the sun's rays. The canopy's magnifier will track the sun's brightest rays throughout the day, getting the most energy possible. Although it doesn't look like it's hitting the markets anytime soon, with enough support from fans, this can be a soon enough possibility.


The C-Max Concept...

The Future of Cars #3

Hydrogen Power

Finally, a alternate source of power for vehicles is being introduced by Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai next year. The auto manufactures have been evaluating these models for more than a decade, and more car companies such as Mercedes and GM are working on models as well. 

One of the benefits of Hydrogen fuel cells is that they are capable of long range driving unlike the Model S from Tesla (an all electric power house). These vehicles can reach distances of 400 miles, recharge in a matter of minutes. and are of course environmentally friendly. 

However, hydrogen fuel cells have other challenges, one being the lack of refilling stations in the U.S. Another challenge is the lack of performance in colder climates and the batteries are simply massive for the car compared to the Model S battery. Manufactures are working on overcoming these problems though, Honda and Toyota claim that they have already made successful advances at these obstacles with the help of constantly improving technology. 

Introducing the Unstoppable Tire

Michelin's new tires, "Tweel" has made several new patterns for its unstoppable and airless wheels. 

The one on the left with the smooth tread has a 100% surface contact ratio that provides maximum tread life and transfer of power for the pavement. On the right, the more rugged all terrain tackling design is set up for taking on anything off the pavement. The pattern on the all terrain tire can wick away mud by itself and can take on much heavier loads than their air filled brothers.  

Michelin says that these new Tweels can last up to three times longer than standard tires. Basically, anyone that owns one of these power tires will notice greater performance, stability, and durability. 

Volkswagen Hybrid Gets 260 MPG

Sleek, smooth, with a style that fits right into Back to the Future.  If you're lucky enough to get your hands on 1 of the 1,000 vehicles produced during 2014, you can get 260 mpg in this Volkswagen XL1.

The XL1 uses a plug-in hybrid system to get the outstanding amount of effieciency. It's also worth mentioning that this vehicle is incredibly light on its feet, weighing just 1,750 pounds, which is half of the weight of an average car.



Many people were surprised to see this vehicle to actually go into production. Originally it was simply a concept car a few years ago, then it was publicly announced in the Geneva Motor Show.
Even though the car is only a two seater, a whole Mormon family can get to church costing only pennies, if they're willing to make four quick trips that is.