Worsening climate changes because of carbon emissions has forced carmakers to think of the alternatives to the gas-powered engines. In the past few years, alternative fuels were considered as the best option to make cars environment-friendly. Proof of these is the popularity of electric cars that are already a commercial success with the Toyota Prius PHEV (plug-in electric hybrid vehicle) and the Tesla Model 3 EV (electric vehicle). Both cars are examples of electric vehicles that have paved the way for the transformation of the automotive market.

On the flip side of the coin is solar-powered cars that have the potential to run on a limitless source of power, the sun! Testing the viability and development of this technology for car use is the Bridgestone 3,000-kilometer endurance race in Australia for solar cars. Competing in this race are 1000-watt solar cars that attempt to finish first. The goal of the race is to see what solar car has the design to finish the race. Another is to test ideas on getting the right design which can be applied to cars at a later date!

One counter-flow to this thinking is the Sono Scion, already it has 10,000-preorders up! One curious aspect of this car is that it runs on an electric battery. But, the twist is that it can charge in the sun. No need for charging stations anymore and a free source of power all day! Founders of Sono Motors stressed on the need of this disruption which is not dependent on a charging grid.

 Impending sales of Sono Scion is going to challenge the already established acceptance of EVs as the ultimate green machines. Companies like Sono even created bidirectional charging technology that can be used to power a similar car. Need a portable car-sized energy bank? The Scion can provide extra energy for that. Compared to an EV that is stand alone and needs a charging network, which is a problem. 

Solar Powered cars

 Advantages

 A. The source is free, and all that is needed are solar panels to collect the sun's rays.

B. Solar power has a lower carbon footprint than electric vehicles.

 C. Photovoltaic Technology is quite developed, and the Sono Scion is threatening to disrupt electric cars.

 D. More range and not limited to charging networks on the grid.

 Disadvantages

 A. There are questions whether a solar car will charge in cloudy conditions.

 B. How much will it take to maintain it?

Electric Cars

 Advantages

 A. More electric cars are available today and will replace gas-powered cars.

 B. Companies like Tesla have charging networks on the grid and others to follow.

 C. Lesser carbon footprint and environment-friendly.

 disadvantages

 A. Still uses fossil fuels to generate electricity.

 B. Dependent on charging networks to keep running.

Whether it is a solar-powered car or electric car, both are good alternatives. Though solar power is the best alternative because it is free and renewable, without cost compared to EVs. Eventually solar tech will catch up, but for now, EVs will be in use, till then.

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