A prototype of what is to come in Uganda–the solar bus!
“It’s environmentally friendly, green and clean—the solar bus!”
By Linn Smith
July 3, 2016—In February of this year, Africa’s first solar bus, a prototype, hit its highways thanks to engineer, Paul Isaac Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors. The Kayoola Bus, as it is called in Africa, is an environmentally friendly, green and clean, 34 seat alternative to current buses. The system consists of two batteries charged by solar panels on the roof.
Creating Jobs for Uganda
When manufacturing of the bus is in place the company hopes to create 7,000 jobs, and by 2039, be able to manufacture all the parts for the bus in Uganda. Pricing the bus at $58,000, Musaisizi currently has some government funding, but is still looking for investors to get his project off the ground.
The Solar Bus–ride free!
Australia’s Tindo
Uganda does not boast the first solar bus. Australia has what they call the Tindo, powered 100% by solar! The Tindo was created by a New Zealand company called Designline International which “leads the world in vehicle design, hybrid propulsion systems and electric drive systems,” striving to keep New Zealand green through being environmentally conscious. The batteries of the Tindo are charged by a solar system on the roof at the city bus station instead of panels on top of the bus. This bus has been in operation since 2007 and accommodates 40 passengers–and cost to ride? Totally free!
China’s hybrid bus–keeping in green!
China’s Hybrid Buses
China put solar hybrid buses into operation in 2012. These buses have solar panels installed on the roof which power lithium-ion batteries.
Austria’s Solar Bus
And Solar for Austria
In Austria the first solar bus was put into operation in 2011. This is a bus developed to transport students between the university campuses.
“Solar buses—solar energy applied in another pragmatic way!”
Planet Earth Weekly 
October 30, 2016 at 6:27 pm
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November 10, 2019 at 3:34 pm
The Kayoola Solar Bus is a 35-seater electric solar bus with zero tailpipe emissions, a range of 80 km, with latent range extension from the real-time charging enabled by the roof mounted solar panels. The development of the Kayoola Solar Bus Concept represents the commitment of the Kiira Motors Project to championing the progressive development of local capacity for Vehicle Technology Innovation, a key ingredient for institutionalizing a sustainable Vehicle Manufacturing Industry in Uganda.