Kayoola: Uganda's Solar Powered Bus

The Kiira Motor Corporation of Uganda has developed a 35-seat bus that includes solar panels on the roof. The bus travels up to 50 miles on two rechargeable batteries. Due to its limited range, the Kayoola is intended for inner-city travel.

1 minute read

February 6, 2016, 5:00 AM PST

By urbanguy


Kate Yoder reports on a car company taking advantage of the consistently sunny conditions in Uganda:

"The Kayoola bus, created by Ugandan engineers at Kiira Motors Corporation, sports solar panels on its roof to capture the powerful rays that beam down on the equatorial nation. Quartz reports that the 35-seater can travel up to 80 km (50 mi) on two rechargeable batteries that run off the solar panels.

Yoder also includes details about the intended uses of the bus:

Due to this restricted travel range, the bus is intended for inner-city use rather than inter-city travel. Kiira is hoping that the Kayoola can assist in Uganda’s public transportation problem, according to a local news source.

Yoder also reports that a "prototype of the bus took its first test drive on Jan. 31, and the official launch is set for Feb. 16."

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 in Grist

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

7 hours ago - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.