Swiss Inventor Completes World Tour In Solar Car

December 19, 2008 7:03 a.m. EST

Miami, FL (AHN) - A Swiss inventor recently completed a trip around the world in a solar-powered car.

Louis Palmer, a teacher and adventurer, took 18 months to travel 32,932 miles and visit 50 countries in his three-wheeled, solar powered car. The car also had an electric rechargeable battery to power it at night and when Palmer was in areas of the world with little sunlight, World Radio Switzerland reported.

Palmer arrived back in Switzerland this week.

Along the way, Palmer had some notable passengers in his car, including UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Monaco's Prince Albert.

Palmer began his journey on June 3, 2007, travelling through eastern Europe, the Middle East and India. He then headed to New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia and China, before going to the United States. His last leg of the trip was through France, England Scandinavia and Germany.

The car towed a trailer packed with solar panels. It had a top speed of 55 miles per hour. Palmer said he only broke down twice during the trip.