Sono Motors technology used for Munich’s first solar bus

Sono Motors technology used for Munich’s first solar bus

Sono Motors is launching its proprietary solar technology to public transport for the first time in partnership with the Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (Munich Transport Company, MVG). The solar bus trailer will hit the roads in the Munich, Germany metropolitan area in the near future, testing the energy yields as well as the potential of the technology in daily operation. The company says the technology can offer a possible savings of up to 2,500 liters (approx. 660 gallons) of diesel per year and an annual local CO2 saving potential of more than 6.5 metric tonnes per bus.

The technology uses 20 semi-flexible special photovoltaic (PV) modules that provide over 2,000 watts to power the vehicle’s battery and electrical loads such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, as well as the trailer’s steering system.

The CO2 saving potential of solar-powered vehicles and their contribution to urban air pollution control and climate protections are promising, Sono Motors says. For a medium-sized fleet of around 300 buses, the company says calculations show the possibility of savings of up to 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year. Further increases are conceivable in the future, as both the solar cells and the power electronics are expected to become more efficient. This solar solution’s so-called ‘CO2 backpack’, i.e., emissions caused in production, amounts to a one-off of approximately 1.5 metric tonnes of CO2 per bus or bus trailer and could be offset after a short runtime of just less than one year, the company says.

The solar technology was developed and tested specifically for use on buses. Due to the ultra-fast optimization in the millisecond range and the multi-channel system, the company says the PV yields can be transferred to the battery of the bus in the best possible way. The modules cover a total area of 12 square meters and supply the 24V battery with over 2,000 watts. In this case, the solar energy generated in this way is used to operate the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and to support the trailer steering system. In addition to saving diesel, the additional electricity ensures the stabilization of the battery’s energy supply, thus extending its service life and reducing maintenance costs. The energy generated can be monitored online using the integrated software.

You May Also Like

Lucid Group reports positive financial outlook in Q3

Lucid’s Q3 report includes info on a new SUV, COO appointment, closing an Aston Martin deal and adjusting 2023 production from 8,000 to 8,500.

Sapphire_Lucid_Air

Lucid Group released financial results for its third quarter ending Sept. 30, 2023. Lucid reported Q3 revenue of $137.8 million on deliveries of 1,457 vehicles and produced 1,550 vehicles. The company is also adjusting its production outlook for 2023 to 8,000–8,500 vehicles to prudently align with deliveries.

"We delivered on our commitments to complete the Lucid Air lineup on time with Pure RWD and Sapphire, transition general assembly to our Phase 2 factory in Arizona, and open our first plant in Saudi Arabia. We recognize we still have work to do on our customer journey and deliveries," Peter Rawlinson, Lucid's CEO & CTO, said.

Volvo’s EV sales comprise 18% of total volume

Volvo reported a 14-month-straight sales increase fueled by strong EV demand.

Volvo-EV-cars-sales-1400
Yokohama debuts Advan Sport EV tire at Electrify Expo

The Advan Sport EV will be offered in 10 sizes ranging from 18 to 20 in., and goes on sale Jan. 1.

Advan sport EV Yokohama
NREL forecasts 80% drop in U.S. transport emissions by 2050

NREL’s study highlights rapid adoption of zero-emission vehicles as crucial for an 80% emissions reduction.

EPA-Emissions-Standards-1400
Kia EV models set all-time October sales record

Kia’s EV models saw a year-over-year increase of 83%, with the EV6, in particular, setting an all-time October sales record.

Kia_America_Sportage_Pro

Other Posts

B2U Storage Solutions expands used EV battery storage facility

B2U grew its reused EV battery storage capacity to 6MWh at its Cuyama solar site, plans further expansion to 12MWh.

SEPV Cuyama-B2U
GreenPower unveils 300-mile range all-electric school bus

GreenPower’s Mega Beast promises an extended range, catering to diverse school district needs nationwide.

GreenPower_Motor_Bus
Mack Trucks introduces ElectriFi Subscription

Mack said its ElectriFi Subscription reduces upfront investment and long-term risk for MD Electric models.

Mack-MD-EV
BYD equips new EV with Continental EcoContact tires

The Seal will feature Continental’s 19-in. EcoContact 6 Q as factory installed original equipment.

Continental-EcoContact 6Q