Solar "Taxi" Visits DC

WASHINGTON DC (WUSA) -- Swiss school teacher Louis Palmer got a lot of stares as he drove down H St. NW today.

He's used to it because of the exotic car he drives.

Palmer is nearing the end of a 33,000-mile, 40-nation, round-the-world trip behind the wheel of his "Solar Taxi."

"My job is to show to the people this technology exists and that its affordable and reliable and ready for everyday life," he said during a visit to George Washington University today.

The "taxi" is a three-wheeled electric cart which tows a trailer mounted with a solar panel array to supply power.

"Parking is a problem," Palmer admits.

The vehicle was designed by engineering students in Switzerland and is backed by Swiss manufacturers of solar and battery technologies.

The trailer supplies about 50% of the power needed to run the car. Palmer admits he charges up by plugging into electric outlets for the rest. However, he claims an array of solar panels on his home replace the power taken from from the global electricity grid, enabling him to claim 100% solar power.

So far there have been no serious mechanical problems or accidents on the round-the-world trip.