Solar electric vehicles feature prominently at the Sanyo display at the Eco Products 2009 International Exhibition at Tokyo Big Sight, held from December 10 - 12.
The Solar Electric Vehicle has a body weight of about 2t and is powered by solar panels (with a capacity of 1.89 kW) and a 25.9 kWh lithium ion battery pack. To fully recharge an empty battery pack takes some 16 hours from the solar panels, or 8 hours from an AC charger (presumably 200V outlet, or twice that time from a 100V outlet). On a full battery the truck can drive a maximum distance of about 130 km (81 miles).
The Sanyo Electric Vehicle can also function as an emergency external power supply.
In Sanyo’s booth, themed ‘Green Energy Park’, visitors can also see Sanyo's eneloop bike. This model electric bicycle incorporates regenerative charging. Compared to Sanyo’s standard models, which do not incorporate regenerative charging, this model is capable of traveling up to 1.8 times farther per charge.
The photo below shows a parking lot equipped with solar panels and a battery system, used for recharging electric bicycles (front).
Spring 2010, Sanyo will install such a Solar Parking Lot in Setagaya, Tokyo. The parking lot will have approximately 46m2 (7.56 kW) of rooftop solar panels and will also incorporate such a lithium-ion battery system to provide electricity on demand to electric bicycles.
The electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in the battery system and used to recharge electric bicycles, to illuminate the parking lot lights and to power a wireless remote monitoring system. The system also features AC power outlets that can be used to power external equipment during emergencies.
As part of the package, Sanyo will also supply 40 eneloop bikes -- they will be made available by the Rental Cycle Port operating at Setagaya.
Sanyo combines even more of its products at Sanyo Homes.
Under this banner, Sanyo offers houses equipped with a range of its products, including a 3.78kw solar energy system, a 1.57kw lithium ion battery system and a solar-powered heat-pump water heater.
The houses are also fitted with LED lights running on direct-current power to minimize energy loss.
