INFINITE RANGE ELECTRIC CAR - DIY Build

Summary

In this innovative video, the creator explores the concept of an indefinitely sustainable solar-powered vehicle. After building a solar electric go-kart with a 100 km range on a sunny day, the project evolves with the addition of a trailer equipped with more solar panels to increase power generation. Through testing and modifications, including a new hitch and wiring for the panels, the vehicle achieves an impressive 250 km range, demonstrating the potential of harnessing solar energy for transportation.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The creator built a solar-powered electric go-kart with the goal of achieving an infinite range by harnessing solar energy.
• 🔆 The initial setup included 3 solar panels that provided additional range but were not sufficient for indefinite charging.
• ⚙️ A decision was made to enhance the project by adding more solar panels through a trailer to increase energy generation.
• 🛠️ The frame for the solar trailer was constructed using 1x2 inch steel tubing, measuring 14 feet long and 42 inches wide.
• 🔩 The trailer was fitted with bike wheels to support the structure and match the original car's tire dimensions.
• 🌞 Flexible solar panels were chosen for their lightweight nature, saving significant weight compared to rigid panels.
• 🏗️ Wooden frames were created to support the solar panels, reducing the overall weight and increasing energy efficiency.
• 🔌 Wiring was carefully planned to connect the solar panels in series and parallel to maximize power output to the charge controller.
• 🔋 The car's battery was monitored to assess the charging capacity and efficiency of the solar panels during the test drive.
• 🚦 Upgrades to the braking system and the addition of a rearview mirror and battery voltage monitor improved safety and functionality.
• 🌡️ The test drive demonstrated that under optimal conditions, the solar-powered vehicle could cover significant distances, reaching 250 km before stopping due to low sunlight.

Q & A

What is the main idea of the video?

The main idea of the video is to explore the concept of a solar-powered vehicle with the aim of achieving an 'infinite' driving range by adding more solar panels to a car and testing its performance.

What was the initial range of the solar-powered go-kart built in the previous video?

The initial range of the solar-powered go-kart on a good sunny day was around 100 km, and with just the batteries alone, the range was closer to 60 or 70 km.

What is the theoretical power generation capacity of the solar panels on a perfect sunny day?

Theoretically, on a perfect sunny day, the solar panels have a power generation capacity of 3,000 watts.

What modifications were made to increase the solar power generation of the car?

To increase the solar power generation, the creator built a trailer with a steel frame to host additional solar panels, aiming to produce more than 1200 watts of solar power.

Why was a trailer used instead of modifying the car structure?

A trailer was used instead of modifying the car structure to avoid altering its design and to provide a platform for a larger grid of solar panels.

What materials were used for the main frame of the trailer?

The main frame of the trailer was constructed using 1x2-inch steel tubing with a thickness of 0.065 inches.

How many solar panels were planned to be installed on the trailer?

Six 175-watt solar panels were planned to be installed on the trailer.

What type of wheels were used for the trailer and why?

Bike wheels with 20-inch fat tires were used for the trailer because they were identical to the ones on the car and provided a cost-effective solution.

What was the total range achieved by the solar-powered vehicle in the test?

The total range achieved by the solar-powered vehicle in the test was 250 km.

What were some of the practical challenges faced during the test drive?

Some practical challenges faced during the test drive included the need for optimal use of daylight hours, the impact of clouds and the setting sun on solar power generation, and the limitations of the vehicle's battery capacity.

What upgrades were made to the vehicle to improve safety and performance?

Upgrades made to the vehicle included installing hydraulic brake lines for better stopping power, adding a rearview mirror for better visibility, and a battery voltage monitor to keep track of the battery capacity.

What was the final outcome of the experiment and what could have been done differently?

The final outcome of the experiment was that the vehicle stopped after reaching 250 km due to insufficient solar power input as the sun was setting. The creator believes that with better use of daylight hours and optimal conditions, the range could have been extended to 300 km or more.