Solar EV In Adelaide

Adelaide City Council is powering ahead with it’s Zero emissions transport goals. The i-MiEV has joined the Council’s growing stable of zero-emission vehicles, including the $1million world-first solar electric bus, Tindo and the Council’s Veltrix electric scooters.

One of only 40 shipped to Australia so far—the car has no combustion engine—it is all-electric and will be recharged from the sun, making it the only production car of its type to be driving on Adelaide Roads roads.

This is all a total bummer for me because I grew up there and now I’m starting to think I should go back. But it’s an absolute boon for green building manufacturers and designers because it shows the leadership and commitment of the Adelaide City Council.

We can safely say, given action like this, that Adelaide is a sure bet for future sales of a huge range of sustainability innovations. From their own website…

“The recent revision of the Adelaide Development Plan aims to promote and support environmentally friendly “green” buildings and the use of technologies such as solar, wind energy and water recycling systems.  The Plan also supports higher density built form which in itself reduces environmental impact due to elements such as public transport availability, proximity of services and shopping and reduced garden water usage.”

Adelaide Council has even gone so far as to calculate the ecological footprint of the entire city in conjunction with the University of South Australia. A measure from which unlimited  business opportunities arise as they seek to reduce that footprint.

With Commitment Comes Skepticicm

Of course I don’t write a blog just because I’m a nice guy. So it’s time for a little shameless self plug. While these opportunities may be abundant it will only be the manufacturers and suppliers who can get into the hearts and minds of the specifiers on green developments who’ll win the privilege of having their products in those projects and making the money.

The more committed and focused we become to environmental performance, the more guarded and skeptical our B.S.-O-meters. Old sales and marketing techniques and language ain’t going to cut it. For your written promotions and letters you need a copywriter who understands who he’s really talking to (hint: Pick Me, Pick Me).

Back To The Car

The solar photo voltaic station on the Adelaide Central Bus Station’s roof powers Tindo and the system’s surplus energy will charge the i-MiEV. Gone are the days of lining up at the petrol station—this car can be plugged in and powered up.

In the course of a year the i-MiEV is expected to travel 20,000km and save the equivalent of 1600 litres of fuel or 5400kg each year in carbon dioxide emissions.

This car is the ideal city commuter and supports Council’s aims of reducing emissions and creating a more livable city.

We encourage everyone to keep their eyes peeled for the car around the city. It is a sign of things to come as we move to a greener and cleaner future.

The i-MiEV produces 47kw of power and 180nm of instant torque from an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. It has a range of 160km, a top speed of 130km/hr and recharges fully in eight hours.

I do like Adelaide. Fond memories of Olive trees. It’s great to bear witness to their efforts toward sustainability.

Warmest Regards,

Scott.