Solar Car: Are Solar Powered Vehicles Double-Edged Swords for the Environment and Economy?

Solar cars are some of the manifestations of green energy that utilize the power of the Sun, invented, and manufactured to curb greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel burning. As an alternative to climate-damaging fuel-dependent cars, solar-powered vehicles do not need diesel, gasoline, or other types of fuel to function.

For over a century, the production of fuel-based vehicles has increased significantly, allowing the transition from the carriage era (powered by animals like horses and donkeys) to the period of mechanical transport following the invention of trains and automobiles.

Amid the advent of modern transport, climate gases such as carbon dioxide have also spiked in the past several decades. This makes the transport industry to be one of the leading contributors to anthropogenic climate change and global warming.

Despite their benefits, growing concerns surrounding solar vehicles suggest they could serve as 'double-edged swords' for the environment and the economy.

What is a Solar Car?

A solar car, frequently called a solar vehicle, is an electric vehicle containing solar cells that absorb sunlight to provide partial or full power. By utilizing solar energy, solar-powered cars are perceived by some as an economical, efficient alternative to conventional cars.

While some authorities have pushed for green energy via solar cars, its full implantation is reportedly not simple due to economic challenges. For instance, the phasing out of fuel-based cars can drive manufacturers and car retailers out of business.

Last year, the California Air Resources Board issued a mandate to prohibit the sale of new gas-powered cars, SUVs, and even pickup tracks in a bid to achieve 'zero tailpipe emissions' by the year 2035.

The announcement of the California authorities that time also received a mixture of reactions, including from car retailers and manufacturers, expressing their business could be affected by the decision, a story also covered by Nature World News in August 2022.

Road to Green Energy

Amid the drive towards green energy, the global solar vehicle market has increased in value in recent years. Between 2022 and 2023, the topic of solar cars amid fuel price hikes has been put forward following the economic impact of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

According to the website Fortune Business Insights, the global market for solar cars was valued at $383.4 million in 2022, and it is projected to grow from $456.6 million in 2023 to $1.6 billion by the year 20230.

The business insights report also acknowledges that solar-powered vehicles are designed to be "highly energy-efficient." This is made possible as solar panels are attached or integrated into the car's body to allow the absorption of sunlight and the generation of electricity.

Automobile Manufacturing

As mentioned earlier, automobile production has increased over the past century even if the global solar vehicle market is growing as well.

In 2022, the global automobile industry produced 85.4 million motor vehicles, an increase of 5.7% compared to 2021, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.