Sanyo Presents Solar Bus

As part of its efforts to show that the same results in terms of transportation efficiency can be achieved by using unconventional power sources, Japanese electronics specialist Sanyo partnered with specialist Ryobi to give birth to the Solarve Bus.

Solarve is a conversion of a standard bus, made to use solar power to keep its interior lighting and air scrubbers running. To be able to do so, the bus was fitted with solar panels, supplied by Sanyo. The project is the first of its kind to use solar power for powering some systems.

Although not entirely emissions free, as it does not use the power of the sun to be able to run, the bus is a bit cleaner than its peers. Having an alternative means of generating electricity helps cut fuel consumption, which in turn reduces the harmful emissions released into the air.

The air scrubbers we mentioned earlier are a way for the bus to filter the air coming from the outside in such a way that it no longer contains bad odors and even bacteria. According to CNNGO, the scrubbers, called by Sanyo Eneloop Air Fresher, help eliminate 99 percent of viruses, bacteria and filth from the air found on the bus.

It yet unclear whether Sanyo will go on and covert even more buses to use solar power. In light of all that is going on in the automotive industry, it's likely they will. Their project is perhaps the first step towards having a fully sun-powered bus roaming the streets.