A wind powered car has successfully completed an epic journey across Australia this week.
The German-built Wind Explorer arrived in Sydney on Monday, having travelled more than 5000km across Australia, starting in Perth and passing through Adelaide and Melbourne.
The concept car, built by German inventors, Dirk Gion and Stefan Simmerer, completed the challenge as the pair set to prove just how good their car is.
The two seat model uses lithium ion batteries to store wind energy as electricity. Fitted with a mobile wind turbine, the car can be recharged overnight by harnessing the power of the wind. Exceptionally light, the car weighs just 200kg, to increase its energy efficiency. Combined with its low and streamlined profile, the car was efficient enough to make the crossing in just three weeks, with virtually sero emissions and using just $10 worth of electricity.
With a top speed of around 80km/h, Mr Gion says he thinks that a wind-powered car has real-world potential. He told the Australian Associated Press: "Once we explained the technology behind the car and people had a look inside for themselves, everybody liked the idea," said Mr Gion.
"People are ready for this technology. They want to have it and use it."
