TRAILAR partners with Flix to enhance use of solar power in long-distance coach travel
- info951595
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
TRAILAR, the leading innovator in solar technology for commercial vehicles, is proud to partner with Flix to expand the use of flexible solar solutions across long-distance coach operations in multiple global markets.
The partnership follows four years of successful pilots integrating TRAILAR’s solar technology into the FlixBus fleet. Designed specifically for road transport, the TRAILAR Solar Solution has proven to reduce vehicle fuel consumption by 650 to 1,040 litres and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.7 to 2.8 tonnes per vehicle, per annum. The pilot buses with solar panels observed a decrease in relative fuel consumption by 4.5%.[1]
With the observed electricity generated and including a special incentive for Flix partners, an ROI of 1.8 – 2.9 years can be expected. TRAILAR’s bespoke system reduces the output of a vehicle's alternator during the drive cycle, decreasing the resistance and drag on the engine, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
All data is monitored through the TRAILAR Insights Platform where Utilisation, Solar Production and Battery Management amongst other KPI’s are recorded. This data can then be analysed to provide real life vehicle performance and advice on how to optimise vehicle health and gain the most from the solar solution.
Adam Buckley-Mayes, CTO at TRAILAR said “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Flix to support them in their journey to drive sustainable and affordable travel for everyone. With the implementation of our TRAILAR Solar Solutions we’ve increased the buses electrical efficiency saving an abundance of fuel and contributed to reducing CO2 emissions. The system has also brought about operational benefits, as receiving a daily charge through solar means vehicle components operate with less electrical stress, prolonging their life and reducing the number of vehicle breakdowns”.
The positive results underline the potential for widespread adoption of TRAILAR solutions across the transportation industry. In addition, Flix operating partners can get an enabling incentive aimed at encouraging early adopters on such emission reduction solutions. This is made possible through the Future of Mobility Fund, jointly set up by Flix together with the independent environmental NGO atmosfair to enhance sustainable mobility initiatives and social impact projects in the communities where Flix operates.
The Future of Mobility Fund is powered by the climate contributions from both Flix and Flix passengers, who can voluntarily donate when they book their Flix trip – on average, a passenger’s donation equals 1–3% of their fare. This enables Flix customers to actively support projects like the one initiated with TRAILAR, thus playing a concrete role in supporting the experimentation of new decarbonization solutions.
To take advantage of this offer or to find out more information, get in touch with the team:📧 info@trailar.co.uk
[1] Relative fuel savings depend on the amount of absolute fuel savings due to the solar panels and on the total fuel consumption of the buses. The TRAILAR pilot buses were operating on different schedules and routes in Spain, with a significant part of the rides during darker hours as well. We calculated relative fuel savings based on the observed electricity generation and fuel consumption of the buses with solar panels and comparisons to reference buses on the same routes without solar panels and to the same pilot buses before solar panel installation.
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