Friend of mine took this shot for the Daily News- http://www.nydailynews.com/money/200...nderfuel_.html
Not the best article, but it's a pretty awesome story. I envy his ignorance in believing that a car company would manufacture it.
Not the best article, but it's a pretty awesome story. I envy his ignorance in believing that a car company would manufacture it.
Quote:
| A Swiss adventurer on an ecofriendly mission rolled into New York City on Tuesday to promote his solar-paneled car. Louis Palmer has traveled half the world in his small, blue, two-person vehicle that runs on nothing but battery power and the sun's energy. He has covered 23,000 miles but hasn't spent a penny on gas, and hopes the emission-free "solar taxi" will dazzle investors and help save the planet. "The whole world has been talking about the energy crisis. Here's a solution," said Palmer, 36. "[It costs] $15,000 and you won't have to visit a gas station for 20 years: Imagine that." The inventor has been on a one-man mission to promote the solar car, which was built by university students in his homeland. He unveiled it to New Yorkers in front of the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum on E. 91st St. Palmer first set his mind on circumnavigating the globe by car when he was 14, but teachers explained it could damage the environment because of emissions and global warming. So he decided to pursue his dream in an emission-free vehicle instead. The car can travel 200 miles on two batteries and reaches a top speed of 55 mph. If a driver needs to go further, he can charge the batteries in a regular power socket, Palmer explained. "If I can drive this car around the world, there's no reason why it can't become the new standard," he said. He hopes major car manufacturers will begin producing the vehicle, which he estimates would cost motorists about $15,000. Palmer's world tour began in July 2007 in Saudi Arabia. He has driven 23,000 miles through 28 countries, picking up guest passengers along the way, including Mayor Bloomberg in Bali and Jay Leno in Los Angeles. After New York, he drives to Boston and then Montreal. He hopes to be back in Switzerland for Christmas. |
