Making a SOLAR POWERED CAR... Full Build

In this video I make a car that uses nothing but the sun and solar panels to charge it's electric batteries. This 48V 3000W cyber truck solar car has flat range of 100km, and solar panels that can double that range on a fully sunny day. It takes about 10 hours to recharge fully in the sun. Made from two old bike frames and lots of steel, this cool looking roadster is a futuristic proof of concept for how cars could be powered one day.

Materials:

[letsgoashe]

The fact that you can use this as a power output too with the addition at the end gives it so much more use. Love the build as always, thanks for creating the content!

[jezzlaureano]

I love how you showed it to the kids and one said "That is really cool". You really inspire a lot of people.

[StevenHawkingsSpitrag]

As an industrial solar electrician, it was awesome seeing you work with the same stuff I do on a smaller scale. This project is awesome and your wires look clean. Good crimps are underappreciated 🤙🏼

[loricat]

I love that you give all the details that go into making these builds. Excited to see what you build next!

[davidcenteau-depina]

I love your videos for a few reasons!

1. You use basic tools. This is something accessible to most people.

2. You work with the materials you have. On the cheap. Make it work and don't reinvent the wheel.

3. You don't editorialize your videos. Straight and to the point explanation of what you're doing and why it is you are doing it.

It's brilliant and this solar car is absolutely fantastic! Anyone following your video could build it.

Keep it up!

[MrBlack.]

Unlike so many others you explain what you are doing and why you do it the way you do. So many others do not explain anything they do, the materials they use or the glues and nails etc. I always learn something new watching Drew Builds Stuff. Everyone thumbs up 👍🏽 and subscribe to Drew Builds Stuff.

[cozysheltie]

I recommend drilling holes in the ends of the mounting bolts for the tie rod ends to put cotter pins as extra insurance on top of the nylon lock nuts you used. Those are parts you NEVER want coming apart.

[mstr]

Really awesome project, really enjoyed the journey.
There is one small issue i have with the wiring: in automotive electrical work you typically don't solder, but use clamping or screwing connections, because the vibrations could break soldered connections over time. Thats not a weeks of driving and vibrations but a years of driving issue, so not a pressing issue, juat wanted to mention it

[Elwoodmorgan]

Love that you said "do your own research" this is all about experimenting and trying things out and the fact that you share your process and the fun of it is amazing, thank you

[arthurgrunwald]

Drew, this is the first time I watched your channel, and I am just amazed at your creativity, all-round skills and your ability to make this awesome solar vehicle from scratch! I take my hat off for you! I was fascinated by every step of the project in which you explained in minute detail your design considerations, use of materials such as profiles, bolts and nuts, fasteners, cabling and paint job. I found it so creative to repurpose parts of common bicycles for the front wheel steering. Seems like so much fun driving around in it. Thank you for sharing your project with us.

[ryanburns]

Imagine if it had some suspension on it too!? That's gotta make the list for next summer! Great build as always Drew :)

[TheGbab]

That's a great, fun project Drew! One thing I can offer is that your steering might be improved. Any vehicle with two front steerable wheels needs correct steering geometry to avoid "scrubbing" during turns. When they build stretch limo's they do a small modification to correct this geometry. The secret is known as the "Ackermann" angle. What it does, is turn the steering wheels at different angles so there is no skidding, or "scrubbing" of the tires during a turn. If you park a car with the wheels turned fully to the right or left, youll see that the wheels are not turned the same amount. Your buggy is light weight, so you might not notice this, but it will handle better with correct Ackermann angle steering. It's easy to correct this by bending the steering arms on each fork. Calculations are available online.

[amilaamdj]

Really fascinating display of work. Really impressive the way you neatly arranging wires and everything, extremely inspiring.

[danieltodd]

Great video, Drew. Awesome ride and portable generator you have now. The amount of time, detail, and quality you put into your videos and builds is astounding. I know these videos take you a very long time to make, but I do wish you could come out with videos more often. One of my favorite channels.

[realtorkeithstone]

“I have no idea what I’m doing, so feel free to do your own research.” The proceeds to build a master piece. 😂

[Mike-yssr]

I am a retired mechanic with Canadian Tire and I love your hobby project. Thanks again for your China tour as well. 🎉

[BenEllefson]

Rad build! Instead of zip ties, could be cleaner to run all the electrical and brake lines through the square tubing. Thanks for sharing!

[tbranscom]

Love the wide range of builds you do on your channel!

[mudman]

for steering - while what you have may work - you might want to lookup ackerman steering. draw a line from pivot center of front to center of line running thru rear axle. midpoint between width of car. your front steering tabs where your linkage mounts - should be at this angle. as you turn - the inside wheel is a tighter radius then the outer - and ackerman steering sets up your linkage to compensate for this. less tire scrubbing.

[cyberhawk]

Even if this video ran for 4 hours, I would watch it through. Very entertaining, professional and super kewl! Well done man!