I recently read that one commuter decided to sell his car and opt for a bicycle. That may be great for him, but with a 20-mile commute, a family of four, and a home in DFW (Bicycling Magazine’s lowest rated city for bicycle friendliness), I don’t think that answer will work for me.

One idea that is intriguing is a solar powered car.

And recently there have been some interesting stories that give the idea at least a glimmer of hope. For example, one Boise, Idaho man has converted a Geo Metro into a vehicle that can be powered by solar or by plug-in recharging.

Similarly, the Nuna 2, is a solar-powered one seater that has toured most of the civilized world. What is so promising about this vehicle is that it has a top speed of 105 miles per hour.

Unfortunately, however, the problem with most of these cars is the severe limitations they face with respect to performance.

On the one hand, a Geo Metro may provide enough space for a typical driver who hauls around a kid or two and goes to the grocery store, but many converted solar cars only get up to 20-40 miles per hour. That’s not going to get it done on the interstates outside Dallas.

Additionally, while the Nuna 2 can hit high enough speeds for any automotive application short of drag racing, it is a one-seater solar pancake that has less storage space than a motorcycle.

Then there is the simple problem of trying to get people to hand over the keys to their beloved cars which often occupy roles akin to family members.

“The efficiency car movement is having problems similar to the ones faced by many performance automobile makers, how to create the special features sought by the customer while also providing some level of practicality,” states Dallas Texas exotic car club owner Ron Sturgeon.

In many ways, Sturgeon’s exotic car businesses rely on the schism between an exotic car’s performance and its practicality. “We allow customers to enjoy our garage of exotic cars without giving up the more practical commuting and family vehicles,” notes Sturgeon.

Sturgeon’s Dallas Texas exotic car club offers members the chance to share a garage of exotic and luxury cars. “For drivers looking to experience the driving pleasure of an exotic car without the hassles of depreciation, maintenance, and storage – a car sharing club is an ideal solution,” says Tom Warren, GM of the DFW-based car club.

Sturgeon also owns a company that rents exotic cars in Dallas. When I feel the need to drive a dream car like a new 2008 Viper or 2008 lamborghini Gallardo, DFW Elite Auto Rental is the perfect place to find quality luxury rental cars in Dallas, TX.

With continued technological advancements and the power of high gas prices to motivate creative solar car builders, we might just be able to find a practical solar car that will be fun to drive.

Written by G.D. Gregory. If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.