Adelaide, Australia (GLOBE-Net) - The Adelaide City Council has raised the standard in International sustainability with the introduction of the world’s first electric bus recharged with 100% solar energy. Manufactured by New Zealand company Designline International, the bus lacks an internal combustion engine, which makes it a quiet, zero emission vehicle.

The air-conditioned solar electric bus, called ‘Tindo’ (the Kaurna aboriginal word for sun) was introduced by the Adelaide city council.  It can carry up to 42 passengers, with 25 standard seats, two seats especially designed for disabled passengers, and room for 15 standing passengers.  The bus will also offer everyday free ridership through the Adelaide Connector Bus service.

The bus features state-of-the-art components sourced from some of the world’s leading transport and technology companies including MAN and Siemens. The most noteworthy component is the ‘Zebra battery modules’, which can store enough energy for 200 km of travel between charges.  According to a press release from the Adelaide city council the batteries are virtually maintenance free and are therefore expected to result in significant cost savings.  Unlike other batteries available for electric buses which lose efficiency over time, these temperature controlled batteries operate without loss of performance or life expectancy in virtually any conditions.

In addition to conventional controls and instrumentation, a driver display panel is provided from which the bus operator and maintenance staff can check the status of Tindo’s drive and charge.

The bus will be recharged using a grid connected solar photovoltaic system supplied by BP Solar, an international solar manufacturer, which will be installed at the soon-to-be-completed Adelaide Central Bus Station. The Adelaide station also features a "Fast-Booster Charger" that outputs enough energy to recharge the bus range one kilometer per minute.

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 and the world.

An information pamphlet about the bus can be found here.

New forms of powering transportation systems will be discussed at Auto FutureTech 2008, including powering up vehicles from the grid and leading edge battery technologies required for hybrid, plug-in, fuel cell and solar vehicles.  The first ever Auto FutureTech Conference, held in Vancouver, March 12 to 14, 2008, will discuss the forces that will drive change and determine success in the transportation market of tomorrow.

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For More Information: Adelaide City Council