Solar cars in every garage? Not soon

Let's just say that the world's auto makers don't have to worry about competition from the solar cars that race 2,200 miles every two years from Chicago to Los Angeles.

The solar-powered cars are big on efficiency and short on style and comfort.

In spite of a solar car's shortcomings, it always proves to be quite an attraction as it is shown off. Two students at the University of Missouri-Rolla recently brought that school's 2001 car -- which placed second in the national race -- to Southeast Missouri State University. Scott and Neal Essner of Kelso plan to be part of this year's car team.

So what's all the hoopla? It's the idea that students can harness the sun's rays in a low-slug, aerodynamic, three-wheel vehicle that can go up to 80 mph (with a good tail wind) for over 2,000 miles.

Aside from the foam exterior, one-person seating -- make that reclining -- and limited range on cloudy days, solar cars help us understand the potential of alternative fuels.

But don't expect to see any models showing up in new-car showrooms.

Why? Because the move to alternative fuels requires an incentive, and as long as gasoline in the United States stays under $2 a gallon, there won't be much consumer demand for cheaper transportation.