The Munich transport company will soon be operating its first-ever bus powered in part by solar energy. In partnership with the start-up Sono Motors, each bus with a sunroof promises to save up to 2,500 liters of diesel annually and reduce local CO2 emissions by more than 6.5 tons.
The Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG) and Sono Motors announce the imminent launch of a bus equipped with about twenty semi-flexible photovoltaic modules on the roof, capable of delivering a total power of more than 2000 W. These modules have a total surface area of 12 m2.
This solar energy system will of course be used to power the battery of the bus, but also for various services such as heating, air conditioning or even the control system of the machine. Please note, this is not a 100% electric bus but a hybrid automatic, equipped with a diesel engine and a small 24V battery. It should be noted that the simple fact of stabilizing the energy supply of the battery makes it possible to extend its life and reduce maintenance costs.
To start with, a first test bus will be running in Munich this year. It will take the form of an extension, attached to the back of another bus. It will be able to accommodate passengers and will mainly be used to test the potential and energy efficiency of this technology on a daily basis. The aim is, of course, to circulate as much as possible in the coming years.
As a reminder, Sono Motors is a German start-up specializing in the transition to sustainable mobility, especially through solar energy. It has even developed its first electric car, equipped with a large number of solar cells on the body, already available for pre-order in Germany.
(ETX Daily Up)