It's not a race car but it runs well (we have one). You don't need batteries but you do need a sunny day to get it charged up and ready to run -- it doesn't have to be outside, just sit it by a sunny window. The push-button controller plugs in on the back of the car so you can charge it and the car at once (and it helps keep the controller from getting separated and lost).
New Bright RC Solar Car
You can buy New Bright RC toys at WalMart, Target, Toys R Us, Fry's, and other major retailers.
New Bright Full Function Radio Control Cars and Buggies are recommended for ages 5 and up. Read the box or description because age recommendations on specific vehicles can vary. Cars are usually 6V (1:14 and smaller) or 9.6V (1:10 and larger) and come with a charger. Vehicles come in either 27MHz or 49MHz frequencies. Not all models come in both frequencies. New Bright models vary from time to time.
Most of these New Bright cars and buggies are full function (4 directions) with forward/reverse and left/right steering. The Solar car has buttons on its controller for forward/reverse and left/right turning.