The Camarão Tram, one of the main attractions in the historic center of Santos (SP), has been powered by solar energy in recent days.
The new technology powers the vehicle's multimedia and lighting systems, replacing the previous model, which used a motor.
According to the City of Santos, the adoption of the photovoltaic source will bring several benefits to the city, including:
- Reduction of operating costs;
- Less noise during the journey, providing quieter and more comfortable journeys;
- Reduction of CO₂ emissions, contributing to a more sustainable environment;
- Modernization and expansion of the project.
The installation of the solar energy system was coordinated by electrical engineer Marcos Rogério Nascimento, responsible for the technical team at CET-Santos (Traffic Engineering Company).
The professional explains that from the acquisition of the equipment to the assembly and carrying out of tests, 60 days of work and evaluations were necessary.
“The battery and charge controller were installed under one of the seats and the cables were routed through the interior of the car, but also left unnoticeable,” he said.
In addition to the implementation on the Camarão Tram, the city also intends to expand the use of solar energy to four other electric trams that transport residents and tourists on tours of the city's historic sites.
“The Camarão Tram was a pilot project that we developed and put into circulation. It was a success and now, with the approval of the board of directors, we are going to move on to other trams in the fleet,” added Nascimento.
The next vehicles to receive the system will be the Bonde Pelé and the Bonde Aberto, whose process for acquiring the equipment has already begun.
“The pilot project with the Camarão Bonde gave us references for the next ones. We know, for example, that it is possible to use a plate with greater power”, explained the engineer.
History of the Shrimp Tram
The Camarão Tram, number 40, was manufactured in 1911 with original Scottish mechanics and a body made of cabreúva wood, which is now in extinction. Its design was conceived in the 1950s, when it underwent modernization.
With capacity for 28 passengers, it featured reproductions of advertisements from the time when electric trams still operated regularly in Santos.
The model is identical to those that ran in the city until the 1970s and can reach 50 km/h. Its name derives from the closed shape of the body and the original red color.
The tram entered the tourist line on January 26, 2002, and in July 2011, it was transformed into the Baleia Tram, in honor of Santos Futebol Clube's three-time Copa Libertadores champion. During this period, the interior was decorated with images that recall the titles of 1962, 1963 and 2011.
In September 2013, the tram returned to its original silver and red paint job. Since April 11, 2017, it has been running in green, a color it has maintained to this day.
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