The World's First Solar-Powered Scooter
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 06.12.06
Just unveiled last week, the Solarin Turtle is "the world's first solar-powered scooter," according to the company that developed it, Solarin Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd. While they might be right, we've seen at least one DIY version before; still, it's good news for anyone interested in saving gas and cutting down on emissions. Though it will be built in Malaysia, interest in the scooter around the world has been strong; China has already placed an order for 100,000 units. Details on the scooter remain a little incomplete (we can't even find a real picture of it), though it's reported to have a top speed of 55 mph (almost 90 km/h) and will also be rechargeable by thermal heat or electrical charge. The price has also yet to be determined, but, according to the company president, will not exceed RM3,000 (US$820). ::New Straits Times via ::Hugg
"The price has also yet to be determined, but, according to the company president, will not exceed RM3,000 (US$820)"
Wow. This is really a reaonable price. It is perhaps another example that eco friendly technology can be economically feasible if more researches are done.
The biggest problem is that solar produces power during the day, which is also when you'll want to be driving the scooter.
I want one!!
I don't see how they can produce it and sell it for that price. With the specs. saying it will go 55mph, and as small as it looks.....well, the technology is not there yet....I say this based on what it cost for the scooter I modified and the additional cost of the solar charging.....there are no electric scooters that go 55mph with any reasonable range....not for $820.00.....would be great though if it were true....ps....I think I had the worlds first street legal solar charged electric scooter that works in real world use.....but that would be bragging.....have a great day all.
don dunklee
Mr. Dunklee, I don't think you get it. Cost of living isn't the same in Malaysia as in the US. Most (petrol-fueled) scooters or small motorbikes in Malaysia run about RM2000-something, so the solar scooters have to have a reasonable price.
I'm hoping that since M'sia is a developing country, as eco-friendly products enter the market, they will be priced so they're economical for normal people. This could be really useful since scooters/motorbikes are a popular form of transportation with adults who can't afford cars as well as secondary school kids. IMHO the US has a cultural problem of environmentalism being seen as a subculture of wealthy hippies.
Why do US companies have plants in other countries? Simple - stuff's cheaper there. Malaysia has quite a lot of technological manufacturing capability...we make Intel chips.
once you add shipping, warranty, service, retail sales and corporate management, price will be $4,995.00
i've went to the launching of the solarin turtle in kuala terengganu, malaysia on the 10th June 2006, from what they have explained to the audience, Solarin turtle could go 55 Km/h, not 55 mph. This is because it's using the battery powered by Solar or UV.
The photo at the top is a file photo, NOT the Solarin Turtle, btw. Pictures of the real thing from the press conference here, scroll all the way to the bottom of the page (company's website): http://www.solarin.com.my/From_the_PRESS.cfm