Islander hopes to bring solar powered car to Bda

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10: A green-minded islander is hoping to bring the first solar-powered kit car to Bermuda.

Crystal Simmons hopes to be driving around the island’s roads in the little box-shaped machine, which is fitted with solar panels on the roof and the hood, by the end of the year.

The mother-of-one, who lives in Southampton and works part time at Hunts, is now looking for a company to help fund the green initiative and has advertised the project on eMoo.

She said: “I have been talking with a few companies and there has been some interest so far.

“It all started when I was looking at solar pack packs to help charge my lap top and I discovered a website that manufactured these kit cars.

‘Many people may laugh at me but I am just trying to do my bit for the environment.

“The car may look a little crazy but I like the idea.

“You never know what is around the corner and a solar powered car could work well in Bermuda.

“There are already electric cars on the road so why not a solar powered one?

“I’m trying to go green and help save the planet.”

The vehicle that Ms Simmons is hoping to import costs around $6,500 and is made by a company called SUNN in Maine.

She believes it will cost around $6,000 to import all the parts.

The company’s website states: “You can design and build a car that makes you happy when you drive and makes you smile when you look at it.

“We are offering plans and assemblies so you can custom design and build your own car which can be driven on roads with a speed limit of less than 35mph.

“The car is recharged from the sun or can be plugged in. It has a top speed of 25 MPH and a range of 30 miles. It is street legal: windshield wiper, disc brakes, seat belts, turn signals and lights.”

Ms Simmons said: “There is still a long way to go and I would obviously have to contact TCD to find out the licensing requirements.

“But it seems like a good idea and is good for the environment too.”