Q: Is the Sun enough to power a vehicle?

A: Yes, since 1987 there has been a solar car race in Australia over a distance of 3000km covered at an average speed of 90km/h.

Q: Why are there no real doors on Tamagotos?

A: Doors are a fragile element in the event of a side impact, and add a lot of weight to the vehicle. The reinforced chassis design of the Tamagotos allows them to be more resilient in certain types of collision at a much lower weight.

Once you get used to grinding your legs a bit every day, you’ll acquire a good degree of flexibility and getting into a Tamagoto will be very easy and natural for you.

Q: Why are there no steering wheels on Tamagotos?

A: The steering wheel dates back to the very first cars, when the axle was vertical. Today’s tilted axle is a compromise that allows drivers to get out of their car easily while still having a seat that is also tilted for comfort, but at the cost of disastrous ergonomics.

In Tamagotos, the elongated seat, as in a racing car, provides comfort, aerodynamics and pedalling efficiency. The steering wheel is then naturally replaced by side levers that are easier to breathe.

Q: Can you really give reliable range figures?

A: Autonomy depends on a number of parameters. In a muscle-assisted solar vehicle, and an even lighter one at that, the weight of the occupants and their dynamism, the terrain and the weather will all play an important role. On the other hand, the Tamagoto’s low weight means that it can carry more batteries in less favourable conditions, while remaining very affordable (180€-4kg/ 1kwh, the basic single-seater package).

Why offer a 4-seater model?There are all sorts of good reasons for wanting a large vehicle.In the case of a solar-powered car, this doesn’t necessarily mean a greater demand for energy, because the ratio is favourable between the various forms of friction that require energy, and the larger surface area of collectors plus the combined energy of several active occupants on pedals.