Australia has embraced solar power for a while already, and its usage has exploded 10 fold between 2009 and 2011 and the price per watt is falling to less than half that of a power grid.

Adelaide is now taking the next step: implementing solar power to public transport. The city council has implemented a sustainability plan including extensive pedestrian walkways and bike paths as well as the new fleet of Tindo (Aboriginal for "sun") buses.

These buses are completely electric, which means its zero emission. It doesn't draw power from overhead lines, and there aren't any solar panels on the vehicle itself. Instead, it charges like a Roomba at the Central Bus Station before it sets out on its routes around town.

The Tindo can cover 200km before needing to recharge, thanks to some regenerative braking system built into the vehicle.

Manufactured by New Zealand company Designline International, each carbon neutral vehicle can accommodate up to 40 riders at a time and offers both A/C and free Wi-Fi for riders. The bus service is also free to the public.

Will electric transportation be more popular in the time to come?

[Adelaide City Council via Clean Technica]