Tindo Solar Bus

The World's First Solar Electric Bus

The Adelaide City Council has raised the standard in international sustainability with the introduction of the world's first solar-powered electric bus that is recharged using 100% solar energy. The bus named Tindo, the Kaurna Aboriginal word for 'sun' is the newest addition to the Adelaide City Council's Adelaide Connector Bus service, a free service for the people of Adelaide.

Manufactured by New Zealand company Designline International, the bus doesn't have a combustion engine which makes it a very quiet, zero emissions vehicle. Other features of the vehicle include a regenerative braking system, saving up to 30% energy consumption.

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

Tindo is air-conditioned and can carry up to 40 passengers, with 25 standard seats, 2 seats especially designed for disabled passengers and room for 13 standing passengers. The bus has covered over 55,000 kilometers since February and saved the Council over 14,000 litres of diesel and saved the environment over 70,000kg of CO2-e in its first year. Tindo is able to travel about 200 kilometres between recharges under typical urban conditions. It also has wireless internet capability making it possible for passengers to easily access the internet for free during travel time.

Tindo has had the privilege of carrying people from all walks of life, people of different ages and cultures and some special guests such as the Prime and Deputy Prime ministers' of Australia. It has also been involved in several events such as Heritage Bus Tour, Solar City Convention Spirit Festival and Global Green Challenge.

Tindo Charging Close UpThe solar-electric bus is recharged using a solar photovoltaic system supplied by BP Solar which is installed at the Adelaide Central Bus Station. The solar installation was funded by the Adelaide City Council and the Australian Government through the Adelaide Solar City Program.

This initiative is 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.

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