First solar bus in operation in Hong Kong

The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. (KMB) unveiled its first in-house developed double-decker bus equipped with a solar power system. The system serves as an auxiliary electric power supply and drives the air ventilation system inside the vehicle.

20 panels were installed on the roof of the bus, and the panels work by converting energy from the sun into electricity for a system that can cool the bus down by around 5-10°C while the vehicle is parked at a depot or bus stop. Once the engine is on, less time is required for the air-conditioning system to start running and thus reducing emissions and energy wastage.

The panels would also supply power to on board USB ports for the charging of mobile devices while the engine is running.