Why can't they make a car that runs on...?

Question

Why can't they make a car that runs on solar power, wind power, and rain power?? The wind power could suck air in and then filter it and spit clean air out!!

Answer 1

solar cells are not efficient enough yet. wind power is far too inconsistent for use in powering an automobile. and rain? get real.

Answer 2

They do, there is a competition every year with solar powered vehicles.  They just aren't practical for most people yet.

Answer 3

Using solar energy to generate electricity and using wind power to do the same both have one problem which is seldom admitted to by the proponents of this type of generation. Batteries. Electricity must either be used immediately or stored. Batteries are currently the only storage method and, like all things, eventually wear out and must be replaced and the discarded ones either recycled or left to pollute in a landfill.

Of course, solar power is of no use after the sun goes down and is of limited use in those geographic areas that receive limited amounts of sun during the winter months.

If you consider hydroelectric power, rain does indirectly generate electricity.

Many people think wind turbines are an eyesore and fight to keep them from spoiling their favorite view. The Kennedys stopped the installation of wind turbines that would have been visible from thier Hyannis Port compound and Martha's Vineyard. Some people claim that wind farms are interferring with migratory birds and other wildlife.

Answer 4

They've developed solar cars but current technology makes them very unreliable.  Also, even in constant sunshine, they can't harvest sufficient energy to make them run for all that long--they'd have to be supplemented with electricity or other traditional sources.  

I don't know how you plan to power a car on wind other than putting a big sail on top of it and hoping for favorable trade winds, but if you can come up with something I'd love to see it.  And I seriously doubt rain can be used at all as a source of energy for any practical purpose, other than maybe powering the nightlight in your bathroom.  There's just not sufficient energy in it.

If you want to power cars electrically from energy harnessed from windmills--well, that's another thing, and is at least feasible.  But a self-sufficient wind-powered car just doesn't add up.

Answer 5

it's big business not to be doing those things,