“I soak up the sun”
Solar-electric vehicle start-up Sono Motors has begun trials of a “solar trailer” that can add more seating and improve the range and efficiency of electric buses.
Sono – best known for the solar technology that can be built into the roof and/or sides of commercial vehicles – has partnered with the Munich Transport Company (MVG) to begin operating a solar bus trailer.
As shown in the photo above, 20 semi-flexible solar PV modules cover a bus extension/trailer, providing not only additional seating but also over 2,000 watts of power to the vehicle’s battery and electrical loads.
The solar bus trailer will test energy yields in real conditions, but could offer savings up to 2,500 litres of diesel per year and an annual local CO2 saving potential of more than 6.5 metric tonnes per bus.
“The partnership with MVG illustrates the enormous potential of our unique solar technology, which is now being used for the first time in the company’s history on public transport,” said Laurin Hahn, Sono Motors co-founder and CEO.
“This is a milestone in Sono Motors’ mission to make every vehicle solar.”
He said city buses and coaches, whether electric or diesel-powered, offer a lot of space to mount solar cells and are on the road every day.
He says the potential CO2 savings of solar-powered vehicles, especially for commercial fleets, is significant. For a medium-sized fleet of around 300 buses, Sono Motors calculates that savings of up to 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year can be made.
Similarly, the so-called “CO2 paypack” of emissions from the construction of a solar bus or bus trailer could be offset after a short runtime of around a year.
The solar bus trailer boasts solar modules covering a total area of twelve square metres. In addition to the over 2,000 watts of power which saves diesel, the solar energy generated is also used to operate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and to support the trailer steering system.
“We need a change of course in the transport sector,” said Munich vice mayor Katrin Habenschaden. “Transport still misses the climate protection targets by a very wide margin, and this also has a direct impact on air quality in Munich.
“The solar buses can be a cornerstone in this urgently needed change towards climate-friendly mobility. I am convinced by the idea, as a lot of fuel can be saved here, and CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced.”
Keyword: “I soak up the sun:” Sono begins testing solar trailer to boost electric buses