The latest innovations of the ICARE project is preparing to set out on an epic 24,855 mile journey around the world. Swiss engineer Marc Muller has designed and built a solar and wind propelled car that uses its photovoltaic panels during the day and a super lightweight wind powered generator called Icarus at night. This is the vehicle that will set out in May this year to travel through 30 countries concluding its journey in October 2011.

The Icarus Wind Generator has been designed by engineering student Sarah Delacolombaz and is carried on a small trailer behind the main vehicle — this is also where the solar panels are situated. The ultra light cab itself is a small two-man cockpit — Marc Muller will be one of the two drivers and will be reporting on the progress of the road trip and on the various places on route that he plans to visit that are linked to sustainable practices and global development. It will be the very first vehicle of its type to ever attempt the around the world journey.

Project leaders at ICARE have high hopes that, on its world tour, the car will be a a great educational resource in the various countries on route. They believe it will highlight the technologies that can be used to compensate for carbon emissions. Reports from the project will not only detail the performance of the vehicle itself but will give the opportunity for business leaders and local politicians to explain their reasons and motivation to transform their businesses and communities into ones that respect the principles of sustainable development.

News of the venture will be available on their website:

www​.projet​-icare​.ch/​h​o​m​e​.​h​tml
Currently the English translation of this site is not functioning but it is hope that this will be resolved shortly.

Image courtesy of ICare