Even if this is the country’s third solar-powered car, it is called “Iranian Gazelle 2” and it is a completely national product both in its conception and construction. Presented on Sunday, the car’s project manager, Karen Abarnia assures us that it excels on a number of features, as sequels usually do.
First, the Brushless DC motor of the car is 97% efficient, consuming a fairly small amount of energy. Even the cells that were used in its construction are 22% efficient, whereas regular rooftop-mounted solar cells are hardly reaching 19-20%.
Secondly, after being tested, the car could reach a speed of 120 km/h (74.5 mph), but as that is not good enough, they believe they can make improvements, making it go up to 150 km/h (93.2 mph).
Third, to help with the speed, the experts shed 150 kg from the car, meaning 100 kgs less than the first model, which is where the car takes its name from. With all these improvements made to it, the “Iranian Gazelle 2” can cover, on a long sunny day, a distance of 600 km (372.9 miles) at 80 km/h (49.7 mph).
Speaking of green cars, students at the University of Qazvin have also made public infos about a project that they had been working on: a car that works on 100% solar energy. Dubbed “Havin,” which means “shining sun,” is a five-meter long vehicle that can go up to 130 km/h (80 mph).
Iran is starting to become conscious of being such a sunny country and what this could mean to its economy. For the moment, their goal is to cut down on energy consumption in all sectors and “Gazelle 2” is “running” in the right direction, even if as a proof-of-concept for the moment.
[via FarsNews]
