Final answer:
Yes, Radiant energy can be harnessed through processes like photosynthesis to create biofuels or can be used to generate electricity via solar panels, which then powers electric vehicles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radiant energy can indeed contribute to the production of chemical energy used in cars, though not in a direct manner. One way to understand this is through the process of photosynthesis. Plants utilize the radiant energy from sunlight to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. Glucose, a chemical compound, stores chemical energy that can later be converted into fuels such as ethanol. Ethanol can be used as a biofuel to power vehicles, thereby indirectly making radiant energy one of the sources of chemical energy for cars.
Another approach involves using radiant energy to generate electricity through solar panels. This electrical energy can then be stored in batteries, which could provide the necessary power for electric vehicles. Hence, in this case, radiant energy is converted to electrical energy, which can again be viewed as a form of chemical energy stored in the battery compounds, that powers electric cars.