The Australian Government has announced plans to introduce solar lights for cars in rural areas, in a move that aims to increase safety and reduce cost for drivers. The initiative has been prompted by feedback from car owners who regularly travel in remote parts of the country where there is little or no street lighting.
The Department of Communications, Energy and Planning has released a white paper outlining their vision for how cars can be connected to the grid. The paper proposes the use of solar-powered lights to improve visibility of vehicles travelling on unlit roads at night, thereby reducing accidents and fatalities.
According to the white paper, only 17% of Australia’s land mass has access to street lighting, which creates a major safety issue for drivers during the night. However, the introduction of innovative lighting solutions such as solar lights, could significantly improve safety for drivers.
The solar lights will be installed on the roof of the car, where they will collect energy from the sun during the day and provide light during the night. The lights are expected to last for around 8 hours before requiring charging, making them ideal for drivers who travel long distances.
The Australian Government has also said that the new solar lights will help drive down the costs of electricity for drivers, as they will not need to use their headlights as often, which will in turn lower their fuel consumption.
The introduction of solar lights for cars is just the beginning of a wider movement towards connected vehicles in rural Australia. The use of solar power is just one example of how technology can be used to improve safety and efficiency for drivers.
Other connected technologies that are currently being trialled in rural parts of the country include wireless charging for electric cars, which will allow drivers to charge their vehicles whilst driving. This is expected to be particularly useful for those who travel long distances and cannot find petrol stations or charging stations along their route.
The Australian Government is also exploring the use of drones to survey, map and monitor remote areas, which will help to identify potential hazards and improve response times in emergency situations.
Furthermore, the introduction of connected cars will enable drivers to receive real-time information about road conditions, weather, and traffic congestion, which will help them to plan their journey more effectively and avoid potential hazards.
The potential benefits of connected vehicles are vast and include improved safety, reduced costs, and increased efficiency. The Australian Government’s commitment to introducing new technologies to rural areas will ensure that all Australians, regardless of where they live, will be able to enjoy the benefits of connected cars.
In conclusion, the introduction of solar lights for cars is a positive step towards improving safety and reducing costs for drivers in rural Australia. The use of innovative technologies such as solar power is just one example of how the government is working to make driving safer and more efficient. With further investment in connected vehicles, Australia can lead the way in creating a safer, more sustainable transport system for the future.