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.

The first bus to be recharged using 100% solar energy, Tindo is the newest edition 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 breaking 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.


A further ‘green’ development introduced by the Adelaide City Council, the bus will be recharged using a solar photovoltaic system supplied by BP Solar and installed at the  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 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.

» Download the factsheet to find out more [PDF, 199Kb]