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One of the biggest problems with cars is that they cause air pollution. In the past, there was a lot more air pollution created by cars than there is today. In the future, there will probably be even less. Two good ways for pursuing the dream of less air pollution is cars that run on solar energy and cars that run on fuel cells. Solar energy and fuel cells don’t cause pollution because they do not give off any exhaust. Many of the cars that will have less air pollution in the future also have comfort and luxury. So let’s take a moment to look at the cars of the future.

Fuel, fuel cells, what’s the difference? Actually there is a BIG difference. Fuel cells are similar to a battery except unlike batteries, they don’t need to be recharged. Fuel causes air pollution and noise, while fuel cells do not cause either. Fuel cells are also very efficient, so efficient that fuel cells have been providing energy on spacecrafts for a very long time. Fuel cells could even be used as a power source for exhaust free automobiles or electric generating plants. Fuel cells don’t cause pollution because they don’t create waste like fuel. Fuel cells don’t produce exhaust or wear out, so they don’t produce air or landfill space.

Fuel cells are extremely silent and can be recharged again and again because they run on hydrogen, which reacts with the oxygen from the air. Therefore, inside, the electrons make energy that can power a car.

In the future, people might start using fuel cells to power cars. That would be good for everybody because we will have non-polluted, clean air.

Even though fuel cells could be changing the automotive future with non-pollution and efficiency, solar energy seems even more promising. Solar energy is when the sun powers an object to produce some kind of electricity or energy. In addition, solar power doesn’t cause any air pollution or require any reloading.

Today, some race cars use solar power to supply energy to their engines. Some houses have solar panels on their roof to generate heat. We also have solar calculators so you don’t have to use batteries or electricity.

Solar powered cars use the same type of solar panels as a house or a calculator, only much stronger. A solar panel is a metal board with solar cells, which turns solar energy into electrical power. When a sun ray hits a solar panel on an electric car, the electrical power is transmitted by a wire that is connected to the motor causing the drive shaft to turn. A drive shaft is a pipe shaped axle connecting the motor to the wheel which causes the wheel to spin. This causes the car to move.

If there is not much sun to generate solar energy, a solar powered car uses the extra energy from the battery that was produced when it was sunny and the car was at a slow motion or complete stop.

Luxury Cars

If you go to an auto show and see a concept car you are interested in, don’t get your hopes up. You probably will not be able to buy it for quite a while. Cars have to go through safety testing, reliability checks, and quality standards before they can become sellable. Also, all the parts have to work right together. In the year 1900, there was a particular model of a Honda that we sell today, but it took 80 years for the dealers to finally market it. Most cars usually don’t take that long, but this one was an exception. As we go on in time, cars become more high tech and advanced. For example, they have options such as sun roofs, seat heaters, power windows, mirrors, and seats, and a much smoother ride. Also, cars are coming out with more luxury and style, for example, soft leather seats and sporty exteriors. People are even trying to put computers in cars to help with navigation. Even though we all realize how great this technology, luxury, and style is, it comes with a price, often a big one. When brand new luxury cars first come out, they are usually very expensive.

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