Let’s face it, electric cars as well as plug-in hybrids are here and it seems that it may be the solution for the next foreseeable trend in motoring. Already rave reviews have been given for the BMW i8 and other electric cars out there and it is a one of the ways how we can wean away from fossil fuel towards a more renewable source of energy. And in order to do so, it takes a good mindset change in both the population as well as the government.
In order to push for a greater adoption of these type of vehicles, infrastructures like this need to be setup and at the moment, solar panels are not cheap. I have seen special lots provided for electric vehicles in shopping complexes which are definitely a good way to start and to promote owning electric vehicles. The next step would be to reduce the tax on these vehicles and encourage more parking spots with a built in charger to further promote the cause of it.
“The solar carport not only guarantees the supply of green power but furthermore allows for energy self-sufficiency, so that customers remain independent of electricity prices. In conjunction with the BMW i Wallbox Pro, the car can be specifically charged with solar electricity from the carport. The Wallbox also indicates the amount of solar energy that goes into the car and provides an analysis of recent charging processes which shows the respective proportions of solar and grid power. If the solar panels provide energy beyond the requirements of the vehicle, this surplus solar power can be put to domestic use.”
Of course this design was designed by BMW’s DesignworksUSA but instead of it just looking all nice and good, focus would be to encourage more initiatives to support and propel the usage of renewable energy about. If parking lot owners started investing in solar power, they can recover their ROI through the sale of electricity generated from the solar panels back to Tenaga as well. As the solar industry slowly moves forward, I do see a ray of hope. If you are heading towards the Sepang International Circuit or returning back from the old low cost carrier terminal (LCCT), you might notice a couple of solar farms on the side of the road.
Either that, or it is just an excuse for you to get a BMW i8.
