Tindo 1, Adelaide's solar powered electric bus

[The Inspector]

A few more pics of a rare beast, the worlds only solar powered electric bus which is operated by the Adelaide City Council on a free service.

[baytram366]

Silly question but how does it collect its solar power? Doesn't look like there is any panels on the roof or do they plug it into some solar panels? Also where it is kept when not in service?

[The Inspector]

Silly question but how does it collect its solar power? Doesn't look like there is any panels on the roof or do they plug it into some solar panels? Also where it is kept when not in service?

Solar panels are on top of the Central Bus Station, they collect the energy which is stored. Tindo is plugged in when not in service to recharge. This is all done inside the coach terminal where the bus is kept. In the last pic you can see the large orange cable used for the connection.

Apparently Tindo 2 may still eventuate but I guess it all comes down to any changes in the ACC. I have heard there is a 3rd (spare) also as an option but the 2nd & 3rd are more likely to be leased rather than owned by the ACC.

[STA 1440]

Looking at the last picture; that engine makes absolutely no sense!

[Denning-6V71]

What a fugly bus!! o_O especially those hideous green hubcaps!! Yeesh!

[The Inspector]

Looking at the last picture; that engine makes absolutely no sense!

?

Its an electric bus so there is no massive engine like in a deisel or gas bus, its probaly got small axle mounted electric motors or something.

[STA 1440]

T'was a tongue-in-cheek remark my friend...

I am fully aware that this odd little thing is fully electric

[The Inspector]

T'was a tongue-in-cheek remark my friend...

I am fully aware that this odd little thing is fully electric

Yes but some others may not be aware of that and may have expected to see some sort of engine, thats why I took that pic to show whats in the engine bay.

[TT]

the worlds only solar powered electric bus

Only? I'm sure that I saw same type buses (and running on solar electric) in New Zealand a few weeks ago? Can't remember which city.

[The Inspector]

Only? I'm sure that I saw same type buses (and running on solar electric) in New Zealand a few weeks ago? Can't remember which city.

Yes there are buses with the Designline body in NZ as thats where they are made, however they are diesel buses & trolley buses.

[Eurostar]

The Adelaide City Council buses could do with some tourist advertising of some sort, perhaps for the Adelaide Zoo, South Australian Museum, Art Gallery or the Adelaide Gaol.

[CB80]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w277 ... CF0233.jpg

That's where it lives in the Central Bus Station when it isnt in service, you cant tell in that photo but it is actually plugged into the wall on the other side of it.

[TT]

How about this one?

nzbus.jpg

[The Inspector]

How about this one?

It could be electric or even a Hybrid however does it get its electric power through a Solar Panel set up? Would be interesting to find out.

[Dave C]

That is a battery powered bus similar to the 2 trialled by Sydney Buses in 1998.

[CB80]

How about this one?

It could be electric or even a Hybrid however does it get its electric power through a Solar Panel set up? Would be interesting to find out.

If its one of the ones in NZ, pretty sure its a hybrid one.

[Eagle Eye]

"Hey darl, can you plug the kettle in for us? And while you're at it, can you plug the bus in too?"

I'm not knocking it; I'd love to have a solar and/or electric car myself!

[ekoja]

And will the first driver who drives off with it still plugged in, become a legend?

[Eagle Eye]

Nah, only Mr Bean would do something stupid like that!!

(Speaking of which, Mr Bean - the 'real' version is on Friday nights at 8pm on ABC2)

[Vitalstatistix]

That is a battery powered bus similar to the 2 trialled by Sydney Buses in 1998.

Yes, and the battery for those ones in NZ is powered by a small CNG engine.

[Coaches are better!]

Hi all,

Tindo is nothing more than an electric bus. The 'solar' branding is just that branding!

Tindo is no more solar than my fax machine or mobile phone.
While it is true that Tindo does get charged in the Adelaide Central Bus Station, it simply gets charged from mains power. There is no amazing huge battery storage device located at ACBS. The solar panels on the roof of ACBS put power directly into the power grid during the day, at night Tindo draws its power from the national grid.

Its all just smoke and mirrors on behalf of ACC who wanted the kudos for having a solar bus. Very early in Tindo's career it was discovered that Tindo could not operated all day Friday (late night/extended shopping hours) as it would run low on battery power - one night it limped home on 3%!!
What could have solved the problem - - - OH the irony . . . a solar charger on board and panels on the roof of the bus.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, If I dont know the answer, I know the people who will.
PS (Why didn't ACC just go for the title of the worlds first solar powered bus station??? because the panels on the ACBS roof would not run more than 30% of the bus station!)

Cheers
Coaches are better!

[The Inspector]

Tindo is nothing more than an electric bus. The 'solar' branding is just that branding!

The branding is correct, it reads "Solar Electric bus" so they are not saying it is technicaly solar powered.

[Vitalstatistix]

Will there be anymore Tindos for Adelaide?

I have heard the glass planes for these uniquely shaped vehicles is quite expensive.

[The Inspector]

Will there be anymore Tindos for Adelaide?

I have heard the glass planes for these uniquely shaped vehicles is quite expensive.

Apparently Tindo 2 may still eventuate but I guess it all comes down to any changes in the ACC. I have heard there is a 3rd (spare) also as an option but the 2nd & 3rd are more likely to be leased rather than owned by the ACC.