Why SolaDrive®?
Instead of using your own internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, the SolaDrive® system provides “pay as you use” personal transport services for building occupants.
We supply a battery electric vehicle (BEV) operating in both pool (someone else drives) and share (you drive) modes at a $/km rate which is significantly lower than what you currently pay.
At the same time we supply clean, low-cost renewable electricity to the common areas of the building or the main bulk electricity supply point from an embedded solar photovoltaic (PV) power system mounted on the roof, vertical facades and/or outdoor car park areas.
You’re in good hands
Our team has had plenty of experience – and proven expertise – in retrofitting, designing and operating solar PV power systems, EV/PHEV charging systems and share/pool vehicle booking and billing systems.
We’ll work with you from the earliest concept design stages of your new project so you can be sure that installation of your SolaDrive® system fits in with your construction timetable.
For existing buildings, we’ll manage the retrofit design and installation for you. Once the system is up and running you’ll have access to a full maintenance program including a 24-hour/365 day site and roadside service for breakdowns. All vehicle bookings and billing is handled by one of the world’s largest car rental providers in conjunction with experienced local embedded electricity network administrators in the case of a bulk electricity supply scheme.
Once the system is up and running you’ll have access to a full maintenance program including a 24-hour/365 day site and roadside service in the unlikely event of a breakdown
How does it all work?
We provide each building with an embedded rooftop, façade and/or outdoor car park area solar PV power system that’s connected to the common property switchboard or the main bulk electricity supply point – that way, we can send the Body Corporate a bill for the electricity used less that consumed by the BEV charging station.
At the same time, each resident is provided with a key fob or mobile app at no cost which provides a unique identifier for vehicle booking and billing purposes which will be issued on a regular basis in arrears based on the total kilometres used at the reduced $/km rate.
If you’re developing a new building, we’ll work with your electrical and transport consultants to determine what size solar PV system is required and what type of BEV suits best and how many are needed, all at no up-front capital cost. For existing apartment buildings, we’re happy to advise the Body Corporate and Resident Manager on retrofit as well.
When a bulk electricity supply scheme exists. Our Multibill™ system runs in conjunction with existing bulk electricity supply scheme by adding kilometre usage to residents’ electricity bills.
When there is no bulk electricity supply scheme. Kilometre usage is billed to residents’ credit cards where no bulk electricity supply scheme exists.
As part of our SolaDrive® system, we’re happy to:
Design, install, own and operate
The solar PV power plant, BEV chargers and vehicles will be designed, installed, owned and operated at no up-front capital cost to the developer or Body Corporate
Manage and maintain all equipment
We will also provide a 24-hour / 365 breakdown service at site and roadside.
Supply and maintain electricity meters
We measure electricity usage use for common property areas or bulk supply point and BEV chargers.
Supply and maintain key fobs
Key fobs measure vehicle usage by residents and the Resident Manager or nominated pool service driver.
Set up supply agreements
We set up agreements with residents and the Body Corporate for their transport and common area or bulk supply point electricity usage.
Manage customer accounts / booking system
The Body Corporate and Resident Manager don’t have to worry about readings, billing and payments.
SolaDrive® Benefits
SolaDrive® Scenario
André and Megan buy a unit in a SolaDrive® equipped apartment complex. They own two cars, but sell one and lease out their car space for a profit. They save money on registration, insurance, fuel and maintenance, and invest the money they made selling their second car. A second fully maintained and serviced vehicle is available for their use. They only pay for the kilometres they use and also enjoy lower electricity costs for the common areas and apartment.
Why Solar Powered Cars?
- Value of solar PV 2x greater in transport
- At $1.20 for ULP 1 kWh = > $0.50/kWh
- Zero carbon emissions and visual pollution
- Reduced traffic congestion via vehicle pool / share usage
- Increased public transport utilisation