Whenever you watch a new movie about the future you get an opportunity to see just what the cars might look like. They are usually very small, sleek and shiny. But best of all, they are solar operated cars. There is no need for a gasoline station to refuel as the sun provides all of the power needed to operate these futuristic cars.

The majority of people today get a new car every few years. Trading in their old gasoline guzzles for one that just might get better gas mileage or one that is a hybrid variety. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go before researchers and designers come up with a solar operated car that will appeal to the public. You might be thinking that you would purchase one as soon as it became available, however, would you really buy something that was not attractive?

We are a nation that identifies ourselves with our vehicles. We want them to be sleek, cool, and sexy if we are single. If married with children you want something that can safely carry everyone and all the equipment and supplies needed for them. Now, when you think about the cars in those futuristic movies, would you really want one of them?

The solar operated car will have to come a long way before it is visually appealing to the average consumer. At the present time, most of them are small and boxy and just are not appealing to many people.

On the other hand, there are those people who are very environmental conscious who would buy the solar operated car regardless of its looks. There are also the people who commute long distances to their jobs who would jump at the opportunity to own and operate a solar car. They are chomping at the bit just waiting for one to be offered so that they cut their commuting costs.

When solar operated cars become available to the general public it will be interesting to see how they respond. Will consumers jump at the opportunity to buy one or will they stand back and laugh? It is hard to say which way the verdict will go. But, if past history is any indication, the first hybrid cars were very popular and could not be built fast enough to meet the needs of the consumers.

Regardless of your current opinion about solar operated cars, you need to be realistic. Eventually everyone will be driving one of these cars. It might take several decades before the conversion from gasoline power vehicles to solar operated vehicles, but that time is coming.

Look on the bright side, it might not be sleek, cool and sexy, but everyone will be driving one of the solar operated cars.