Detroit Zoo goes green with solar hybrid golf carts

metromode, 7/30/2009

The Detroit Zoo is upgrading its fleet of golf carts, getting rid of the traditional gas powered vehicles and replacing them with solar-elecric hybrids.

The golf carts, 40 in all, are used by staff for everything from maintenance to landscaping to park safety at the 125-acre Zoo just west of downtown Royal Oak. Making the switch is expected to save 450 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

The solar-electric hybrid golf carts use a regenerative braking system that recycles power in the cart each time someone hits the brakes, and are equipped with solar panels for battery charging.

Source: Detroit Zoo
Writer: Jon Zemke

Royal Oak