When The Sun Shines Down Under. . .It Powers a Bus
by Andrew Posner, Rhode Island, USA on 12.19.07
Adelaide, Australia, recently introduced what is being called, at least according to the Adelaide City Council website, "the world's first solar-powered electric bus." Manufactured by a New Zealand company called Designline International, the all-electric bus can carry 42 passengers and runs on 11 zebra sodium-nickel batteries that provide a range of 200 km (124 miles). The batteries are recharged entirely by a photovoltaic array atop the new Adelaide Central Bus station. According to one city councilman, "the system generates 70,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which makes it the largest grid-connected solar system in our City."
Only one Tindo, as the bus is called (it's Aboriginal for "sun"), has been delivered so far, but hopefully more are on the way. The best part is that, at least for now, all rides on the world's first solar-powered bus are free. That's right: "free" power from the sun (okay, the BP solar panels weren't free. . .), and a free ride around town!
Via: ::Autobloggreen, ::AdelaideCityCouncil, and ::Inhabitat.com
See Also: ::Bus Bike From Brazil, ::Eco-friendly Bus Fleet Takes Off in Delhi, ::Solar-Powered Bus Shelters Light Up, ::London Plans for Hybrid Bus Expansion, and ::Plug-In Hybrid School Buses Introduced
If it can be done on a bus, why not a car?
A bus has lots of surface area for panels, and while requiring alot of torque as its so heavy, doesnt need to go very fast!
I think it says the PV panels are actually on the bus station, not the bus roof.
I don't think there are any PV panels with the efficiency needed to actually 'charge as you go' because the surface area needed is so much greater than that found on a bus roof.