Solar powered bus is a world first for Adelaide

Tindo Solar Bus


The Adelaide City Council has raised the standard in International sustainability with the introduction of the world’s first solar-powered electric bus.


It’s the first electric solar bus is recharged using 100% solar energy, and is a free everyday service for the people of Adelaide through the Council’s Adelaide Connector Bus service.

Manufactured by New Zealand company Designline International, the bus doesn’t have a combustion engine, which makes it a very quiet, zero emissions vehicle.


It features high quality, state-of-the-art components sourced from some of the
world’s leading transport and technology companies including MAN and Siemens.


And in a further ‘green’ development being introduced by the Adelaide City Council, the bus will be recharged using a solar photovoltaic system supplied by BP Solar and installed at the soon-to-be-completed Adelaide Central Bus Station.

This system is the largest grid connected solar photovoltaic system in the State, and means the bus is also carbon neutral.

The air-conditioned solar electric bus can carry up to 42 passengers, with 25 standard seats, two seats especially designed for disabled passengers, and room
for 15 standing passengers.

The solar electric bus and the recharging system at the Adelaide Central Bus Station represent a significant investment by the Adelaide City Council into a sustainable future for the City of Adelaide, while providing leadership in sustainable public transport options for cities around Australia.

Lifed from http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/scripts/nc.dll?ADCC:STANDARD::pc=PC_151048

 

I'll see if I can find out but most likely lead acid.

 

I work for the Department for Transport (but I didn't know about this bus) and they are building more and better roads. They have also extended the single electric tram line in Adelaide which runs from Glenelg to Adelaide's centre, the line now runs to the railway station right through the middle of Adelaide. Our trains are all diesel but there has been talk of electrification.
Most of the road improvements are aimed at smoothing traffic flows to reduce emissions and commute times. Also all new roads have dedicated bicycle lanes and some have bus lanes during peak hours.

This electric bus will be used within city of Adelaide and North Adelaide only. The bus depot where it will recharge is the only place a route service bus will be garaged within the city. Most buses are housed in Mile End which is outside of the city or further afield than that.