icon next to each of them.
Marcelo da Luz is a driven man. As a teenager in Brazil he saw a show about solar powered vehicles and thought that some day he would like to build one. It took him 12 years to decide to do it, and another 9 years to build it and wrangle with the Canadian government to license his vehicle. The only part he failed at was getting his solar powered car licensed in Canada.
Marcelo is in Portland on his record-breaking trip driving a completely solar powered car. He broke the distance record of 9.364 miles in Victoria, BC on October 30, 2008. He is getting close to 10,000 miles driven and will continue his journey as long as he is able.
Why would someone do this? Marcelo says that the message he wants to deliver is that one person can make a difference. This message is reflected in the name of his project X of 1 or Power of One. One person can have a dream; one person can change the world. Marcelo stops at schools whenever he can and he always tells the students that the only thing between you and your dream is yourself.
Marcelo is a flight attendant by profession; he doesn't have an engineering background. Yet, he designed and built his solar powered car. Of course, he had a lot of help and many sponsors who supplied expertise and equipment.
Marcelo currently relies on donations to fund his trip; he is looking for a corporate sponsor to help him achieve his dream of driving to Argentina. Short of that, he will drive to Los Angeles then return home to Ontario, Canada.
Volunteers drive his support vehicle that must travel behind him with warning lights, because drivers have a difficult time seeing his car on the road. Even with the support vehicle, he has had several close calls.
Volunteers are recruited along the way. If he doesn't have a volunteer he must stay where he is until he finds someone. His current volunteer is with him until Salem where he meets the next, assuming the next one shows up. Yes, sometimes the volunteers flake and don't show up.
How can you help? If you want a bit of adventure then volunteer for a few days or a week. Can't volunteer? Cash helps. For as little as $5 you can sponsor 1 mile. Visit his website www.xof1.com or send him an email at mdaluz@xof1.com to get more information.
The Power of One Solar Car from Neighborhood Notes on Vimeo.
Maybe I should go to Brazil to become inspired? Amazing pictures Ken.
Thanks! Marcelo is deciding whether to go to Salem today or Monday. If he stays in Portland we'll post any appearances so you can check out the car. For now, it's getting its batteries charged in Jamison Square.
Wow.
A remarkable feat of its own, but even more so knowing he doesn't have an engineering degree.
As an aside Ken, your title reminds me of one of the most inspirational books of the same name (later made into an "okay" movie).
Yes, the power of one, indeed.
I must admit I used the name of his projectX of 1as the name for the post. His message, however, is very inspiring!
Status update: Marcelo and teamnow 3 because he picked up another volunteer todayleft for Salem. He felt it was better to keep moving and get to the State Capitol where he has some meetings scheduled. We wish him well!!
Thanks so much for the great article and pictures, Ken! Marcelo is still looking for volunteers. Email him at mdaluz@xof1.com if interested. It was such a pleasure to meet you and we loved your neighborhood! Thanks again!