Solar Technology used by organization in operation of Munich's first Solar Bus - MVG initiates solar bus trailer deployment
In a groundbreaking development, Sono Solar Technology has unveiled its innovative solar bus trailer in Munich's public transport system. The solar-powered addition, presented alongside Munich's Vice Mayor Katrin Habenschaden, is set to make a significant impact on local CO2 emissions, fuel savings, and maintenance costs.
The solar bus trailer, equipped with 20 semi-flexible special photovoltaic (PV) modules, provides over 2,000 watts of power. This cutting-edge technology offers several key benefits, beginning with a reduction in CO2 emissions. By supplying clean solar power directly to vehicle components such as refrigeration units or auxiliary systems, the system reduces dependency on fossil fuels or grid electricity, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions through cleaner energy usage.
One of the most promising aspects of the solar bus trailer is its potential for fuel and energy savings. The solar retrofit delivers more than 4.5 kWp of installed power and connects via Sono’s proprietary 48V solar charge controller to the trailer's battery system. This setup significantly reduces energy and diesel consumption, particularly for refrigeration trailers, which are traditionally energy-intensive. Operators can achieve a return on investment within 3 to 5 years depending on operational patterns.
Another advantage of the solar bus trailer is its ability to lower maintenance costs and increase component life. By powering systems like refrigeration directly with solar energy, the technology reduces operational strain, resulting in quieter, emission-free operation and longer life for components. This, in turn, reduces maintenance demands and associated costs.
Sono also provides a Solar Fleet Dashboard, offering valuable data and tracking capabilities to optimize fleet performance and energy usage. This feature ensures that the system is not only environmentally friendly but also commercially viable and versatile, having been successfully installed on various vehicle types, including electric trucks and refrigerated trailers.
The technology is suitable for integration into existing vehicles as well as production-ready development and integration into new vehicles during the production phase. Sono Group's disruptive solar technology can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of vehicle architectures, including third-party OEM cars, buses, refrigerated vehicles, and recreational vehicles.
Munich's Vice Mayor Katrin Habenschaden expressed her support for the solar bus project, stating that it can be a cornerstone in the transition towards climate-friendly mobility. The partnership with the Munich Transport Company (MVG) is a milestone in the mission of Sono Group to make every vehicle solar.
Since the beginning of 2021, Sono Group has signed more than ten LOIs and contracts with companies like MAN, easymile, or ARI Motors, demonstrating the technology's readiness for broader adoption in public transport and logistics. After technical approval by supervisory authorities, the solar bus trailer will go into regular service in Munich.
In sum, Sono Solar Technology’s implementation on Munich buses and trailers demonstrates tangible environmental benefits through CO2 emission reductions and operational benefits via fuel savings and maintenance cost reductions, making it a promising sustainable mobility solution in urban public transport systems.
[1] Source: Sono Group N.V. Press Release, 31 March 2021 [2] Source: Sono Group N.V. Technical Fact Sheet, 31 March 2021 [3] Source: Munich Transport Company (MVG) Press Release, 31 March 2021 [4] Source: Munich City Council Press Release, 31 March 2021
The adoption of Sono Solar Technology's solar bus trailer in the Munich public transport system showcases the integration of sustainable living in the industry. This innovation, with its potential for fuel savings and energy efficiency, aligns with the goals of sustainable-living advocates. Furthermore, the solar bus trailer's ability to lower maintenance costs and increase component life, as seen in the home-and-garden sector, extends its benefits to transportation and lifestyle. The technology's readiness for broader adoption in public transport and logistics, as demonstrated by partnerships with major companies, also highlights its relevance in the finance sector, with operators potentially achieving a return on investment within 3 to 5 years.
