A Dutch student team on Tuesday unveiled what it believes to be the world's first solar-powered ambulance, which it hopes can bring much-needed medical care to the remotest parts of the globe.
The vehicle is not designed to be a “disco taxi” (rapid transport to and from hospital) but as a mobile medical facility to support remote areas that don’t have reliable electricity.
The solar panels also provide power while the vehicle is at its destination, charging batteries and providing power for the equipment. It makes a lot more sense for a vehicle that is stationary a lot of the time and working in remote areas without charging facilities to have its own panels.
The vehicle is not designed to be a “disco taxi” (rapid transport to and from hospital) but as a mobile medical facility to support remote areas that don’t have reliable electricity.
The solar panels also provide power while the vehicle is at its destination, charging batteries and providing power for the equipment. It makes a lot more sense for a vehicle that is stationary a lot of the time and working in remote areas without charging facilities to have its own panels.
This is a fair point. Having it stationary often, and for long periods helps its case. The range increase is basically an tiny side benefit.