Initiative introduced: Collaboration between our organization and ÖPNV-Service Hagen equips initial vehicle from Bavarian HofBus GmbH with Solar Bus Equipment
In a significant stride towards sustainable public transportation, Stadtwerke Hof, in collaboration with solar technology company Sono Group N.V., has successfully launched a pilot project integrating solar panels into electric buses. This innovative initiative has resulted in a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions in the city of Hof, Bavaria.
The project involved equipping a Mercedes-Benz Citaro C2 bus with an updated Solar Bus Kit from Sono Group. The bus was fitted with 16 semi-flexible PV panels, totaling a weight of 50 kg, and for the first time, double-sided tape was used for installation. The total installed power of the modules is approximately 1.4 kWp.
The solar power generated is fed into the bus's battery to support the conventional diesel engine and reduce CO2 emissions. A comparative bus without a PV system is being simultaneously operated for performance and energy consumption comparison.
The solar technology, developed by Sono Group, aims to extend vehicle range and reduce fuel costs. It can be used in third-party OEM cars, buses, refrigerated vehicles, and recreational vehicles, making it a versatile solution for various transportation needs.
The project aligns with Stadtwerke Hof's long-term strategy to promote the switch to electric mobility. The HofBus fleet is planned to be continuously converted to emission-free power trains in the coming years. The solar technology also targets reducing the impact of CO2 emissions, contributing to climate-friendly mobility.
The pilot project has yielded several benefits:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: The solar-equipped buses consume less grid electricity, leading to a direct decrease in CO2 emissions associated with bus operations.
- Increased Use of Renewable Energy: The project promotes the use of clean, renewable energy in public transport, moving away from fossil-fuel dependency.
- Cost Savings: Generating partial power on-site reduces overall energy costs for Stadtwerke Hof, improving economic sustainability.
- Demonstration Effect: The pilot serves as a practical model for other cities, showcasing how solar integration can enhance green public transport infrastructure.
Sono Group's disruptive solar technology is traded on the OTCQB under the symbol SEVCF. For media and investor enquiries, please visit the company's website. The project in Hof is a testament to the potential of solar integration in urban mobility, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
- The solar technology, demonstrated by Sono Group in this project, has the potential to be incorporated into various industries beyond public transit, extending its reach to third-party OEM cars, buses, refrigerated vehicles, and recreational vehicles.
- In line with environmental science and climate-change initiatives, the solar-powered public transit system in Hof, Bavaria, by Stadtwerke Hof and Sono Group, aims to promote a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable forms of transportation.
- To further ensure financial sustainability, the solar power generated by the solar-equipped buses in the Hof fleet helps offset energy costs, making the transition to emission-free power trains in the transportation industry a cost-effective solution for cities and industries alike.
