Toronto native Marcelo da Luz had the distinction of setting the world record for the longest distance traveled in a solar car when he rolled into Victoria, British Columbia this week. However he doesn’t intend to stop at surpassing the previous record by a mere 80km, he plans to keep on driving. We caught up with Marcelo to find out what inspired him to go after the world record and to get some insight into his future solar plans.
Why did you want to build a solar car and set a record?
I want to do my share for the environment. I believe there is technology that is clean and sustainable we could be using it but we lack the political will. We are hypocrites, all waiting for a government, someone or something to save the planet for us. It won't happen. We have to take charge, ownership, and responsibility and do what we can. I wanted to promote the use of clean and sustainable energy. A solar car embraces transportation and energy; we are so dependent on both.
I hope to inspire people to feel empowered and motivated to do their share for the environment and follow their dreams. I took on the biggest challenge I could find for a solar car and that goes beyond setting a world record.
The solar car was driven north of the Arctic Circle where the low sun is far from ideal to a solar car. The car was driven on the infamous Dempster Highway (1,500km of gravel) and around Alaska taking on the Top of the World Highway.
The solar car generates a maximum of 900watts, a toaster consumes 1,000watts. The solar car drives on less energy than a toaster.
In Palmer, Alaska, someone called 911 about a UFO on the road.
What was the previous record?
The previous record was 15,070km set by University of Waterloo in the summer of 2004 using 23% efficient solar cells; XOF1 is equipped with 15% cells. I am still driving the solar car, in the process of setting the new record. [Editor’s note: Marcelo surpassed the previous world record by 80km on October 30, 2008]
How long did it take to build the car?
2 years planning and 3 years building it.
What was the cost to build the car?
I have personally invested over $500,000 on the car. The actual material is the least expensive. It took about 50,000 hours to build a solar car.
Any super cool stuff you can tell us about the solar car?
-XOF1 is the first complex part ever built with a new composite technology using radiation, 10 years ahead of the current thermo system use to fabricate aircraft.
-It is equipped with a rear view camera and a micro display that replaces the rear view mirror.
-It was the first solar car to operate at below freezing temperatures and to drive on an ice road.
-First solar car to drive north of the Arctic Circle
-The most international solar car project in the world (supporters, sponsors and volunteers from 23 countries). Yet, it was built mainly by flight attendants, nurses, students, homemakers, teachers, and engineers.
-Zero to 85kmh in 6 seconds
How much does it weigh?
225kg
Solar cars are a wave of the past. The first solar car was built in 1960.
Do you think solar cars are the wave of the future?
No, solar cars are a wave of the past. The first solar car was built in 1960. The technology is improving, getting better every day. Solar is not a universal solution to our transport needs. However, it is a step in the right direction. Solar cars were the first vehicles to use LED lights for turn signals, brake lights and much of the technology developed for solar cars is finding its way into automotive and other industries.
How long did it take you to set a new world record?
About 90 days of continuous driving, where on my best day I drove 475km in one day, my worst day was set in Vancouver where I drove only 5.5km, waiting for the sun to come up.
How did it feel to drive into Victoria knowing you had set the record?
Fantastic! Each turn of the wheel is a new record. I haven't celebrated the new record yet as I am still driving the car.
Do you want to also educate people about solar power?
Education is a major element on the tour; whenever I have a chance I have made presentations at schools. It is an incredible emotional payback to see how positive children react when they see the solar car. I feel I am planting seeds.
What were some adventures you had along the journey?
I had a funny situation about 70km from Vernon, BC when I stopped at the side of the road, waiting for the support crew to catch up. A couple pulled over to take a look at the solar car. The guy took a quick look and walked back towards his car, the girl was taking photos, I moved the car very slowly and the girl took off running and screaming.
In Palmer, Alaska, someone called 911 about an UFO on the road. Two police vehicles were dispatched to intercept the solar car. I thought it was a joke. The officers were serious about it.
Were you able to drive the car in overcast weather?
The solar car is equipped with batteries. With a full battery pack the car can be driven for 200km at night or up to 500km on a sunny day. It was driven under all kinds of weather conditions including at night. If the batteries are empty and the weather is overcast, we have done all kinds of things to entertain ourselves, watch a video, play soccer, clean the car, write updates, look for bears, etc.
What are your future plans?
The long-term goal is to apply what I learned from building XOF1 into a practical vehicle that can carry passengers, cargo and equipped with two ice-cream holders.
Will you try to extend the record?
Absolutely. The distance for the new record will depend on getting support to continue. In spite of all the success of the project I still don't have a sponsor for the tour.
How have people responded to you?
It has been an incredible positive experience, people smile and wave. Many have thanked me for doing the project. The reception at times has been overwhelming.
Visit: http://www.xof1.com
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written by Mandy , June 28, 2009