In Transit

Solar powered golf cart

Dr. Grady Mayeaux, owner of Earth Care Products, Inc., isn’t your typical man of the cloth. The Georgia pastor and golf enthusiast recently launched his own line of solar-powered golf carts. Yes, you read that right: solar-powered golf carts. Mayeaux developed his first successful model two years ago at his Atlanta, Georgia, home, using only recyclable material. “It took four or five tries for some parts, and I went through 40 to 50 attempts to make the electric controllers work,” says the Mercer University alum and former oil businessman. “But it was well worth it.” The carts use photovoltaic cells, and a charge controller regulates voltage to prevent overcharging. Buyers will not only enjoy the 30% tax write-off, but the $330 tax deduction, too. Mayeaux is currently in talks with several golf clubs interested in catering to their energy-conscious clientele. Not bad for a poor Louisiana farm boy who grew up without running water or electricity. What’s next? “A solar-powered lawn mower,” says Mayeaux. “I better be the first to put it out there.” We hope so, too.

Hydrogen buses in Amsterdam

Hydrogen-powered public transit may be a city’s best weapon against skyrocketing fuel prices and traffic pollution. Oakland, California, has already stepped up to the plate, making the switch from diesel-guzzling behemoths to kinder, gentler hydro-fueled buses three years ago. Cities around the world are also joining the fray; Amsterdam just finished its hydro bus pilot project earlier this year, and is currently preparing to invest in another fleet by year’s end. And London will soon be welcoming ten buses that either use fuel cells or burn hydrogen in internal engines.

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