As the costs, both financial and ecological, of fossil fuels increase, vehicle energy efficiency has become an increasingly important factor. Vehicle manufacturers and designers are exploring alternative fuels, with electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles seen as viable alternatives. Solar energy has been somewhat neglected, but it has the ability to become widely used because it is both clean and economical. The advantages over fossil fuels are obvious: solar energy is renewable, cannot be used up and does not cause pollution. Fossil fuels are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. Solar energy seems to be a logical alternative. As such, it is seen by private companies and government think tanks as a partial solution to fossil fuel dependence. The question is whether the technology is robust enough to serve as a complete fuel source. What is a solar vehicle? Traditionally, solar-powered cars were intended to be powered directly by energy from the sun. The potential of this technology was first recognized during a series of annual races across Australia (What 2013). Currently, there are no true solar cars on the market, although this is expected to change, perhaps as early as 2016 (Perch 2013). However, the definition of solar energy is evolving as technology advances. Solar power now also refers to cars that can be charged from solar panels at home or at work, called plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Charging stations connected to the public grid are starting to become available on the street and in local shopping centers, providing an alternative means of recharging the vehicle if solar energy runs out. Solar/electric powered cars are considered the wave of the future as they will significantly...... middle of paper...... (2013). Solar powered vehicles. Designboom.com. Internet. Retrieved January 25, 2013 from http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/solarpoweredvehicles.html Murphy, Tom. (2011). A solar-powered car? Do the math. Physicsucsd.com. November 22, 2011. Blog. Accessed January 26, 2014, from http://physics.ucsd.edu/do-the-math/2011/11/a-solar-powered-car/. Perch, Jordan. (2013). Solar cars: the ultimate energy-efficient vehicles. Your energy. August 5, 2013. Blog. Retrieved January 25, 2014 from http://learni.st/learnings/545978-solar-cars-the-ultimate-energy-efficient-vehicles?board_id=65649.Solar (2012). Solar powered car graphics. Oweolar.info. November 30, 2012. Accessed January 25, 2014 from http://oweolar.info/graphs-on-solar-powered-cars/. What is a solar powered car? (2013). About MyPlanet. Internet. Accessed January 26, 2013 from http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/science-technology/solar-diy-car-kit/.