The XOF1 Solar Car at a gathering of automotive journalists and industry professionals.

… but the XOF1 solar car and driver Marcelo da Luz reached the Arctic Circle along the way to setting a world record and clocking more than 12,500 miles powered only by sun light since leaving Toronto on June 12, 2008.

Snow, gravel, ice, Dempster Highway and the low sun angle of the far Northern Hemisphere were challenges the X0F1 conquered. It was halted by cloud cover in Canada, pulled over by Minnesota state police because the escort trailer needed to get proper commercial paperwork and the subject of a reported UFO sighting.

XOF1 and da Luz reached Los Angeles on Friday, and they brought the car out to the Motor Press Guild’s monthly luncheon Tuesday. At 660 pounds with driver, the XOF1′s light weight contributes to its operating effeciency. Constructed of polyurethane foam covered with fiberglass and reinforced with carbon fiber, it carries only the driver.

Driver/mechanci Marcelo da Luz explains the XOF1's systems.

No wonder, at 16.4-feet long by 2.9-feet high and 5.9-feet wide, the XOF1 is just big enough for driver, electric motor, lithium-ion battery and suspension and braking systems. The top is covered with a 77-square-foot solar array with 900 watts of output. All of this good for a top speed of 74.5 mph.

Sure, the XOF1 is another experimental vehicle, and with solar cell efficiency still in its infancy we’re not likely to see completely sun-driven family sedan anytime soon. Keep in mind, however, that before manned flight and missions to the Moon, there were many experiments. Some failed. Some succeeded. This one that went the distance and more.

After covering 17 states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada, the XOF1′s likely final stop is Los Angeles unless more sponsorship money can be secured. Those interested in more about the XOF1 or possibly sponsoring it can visit The Power of One Web site.