Eco Factor: Electric bicycle powered entirely by solar energy.
Eco-conscious DIYer Terry Hope has created the THEKPV solar-powered bicycle that is powered by a 50W array of solar panels and has a capacitor for boosting its acceleration capabilities. Featuring regenerative braking, solar cells and a mains charging outlet, the THEKPV (The Hybrid Electric Kinetic Photovoltaic Vehicle) weighs only 44 pounds.
The bike is equipped with a 396Wh battery pack, which can be recharged in 15-30 minutes. The bike also harvests kinetic energy that is converted to direct current and stored in a bank of ultracapacitors. The frame of the bicycle is hand-built out of polycarbonate, which reduces the overall weight of the bike.
Via: Green Optimistic
