Solar-powered car uses half the power of a kettle

A British-designed solar-powered car that is to compete in a 3,000km race across Australia uses half as much power as some kettles.

The 60mph “Endeavour” solar racing car uses 6-square-metre covering of high-efficiency silicon cells to power a modest 2 horsepower electric motor. It was created by Cambridge University students.

In order to achieve optimum efficiency during Australia’s Global Green Challenge this autumn, Endeavour is fitted with a wheel-mounted motor, regenerative brakes and has the ability to automatically adjust its speed according to road conditions and weather forecasts.

The car weighs just 170kg, and the Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER) team estimates that it uses up to fifty times less power than a normal petrol-fuelled vehicle.

How much power does an electric car use?

The single-seat Endeavour uses approximately 1.5 kilowatt over the course of one hour, but what does this mean? A single-bar electric heater typically uses 1 kilowatt. In terms of the power used by cars, a kilowatt is approximately equivalent to 1.34 horsepower.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is an organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products – including a specialised service for electric vehicles.