Toyota--first to use solar technology
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: California
Toyota--first to use solar technology
Once again, Toyota is challenging other manufacturers to bring new innovations to the car industry. Toyota will use solar panels on their Toyota Prius lines in 2009, it appears but not set in stone yet.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...07/2296277.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...07/2296277.htm
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
I wouldn't be surprised if it's true. I would expect Toyota to use some new innovations on the next-gen Prius. Last year it was actually rumoured that Toyota would equip solar panels on the next-gen Prius, along with an exhaust heat recovery system.
Regarding solar panels, the only question would be durability, for example during severe weather.
Regarding solar panels, the only question would be durability, for example during severe weather.
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
But it would be cool if you could recharge the batteries using solar power instead of plugging it in to an outlet.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
From Audi's website, optional equipment:
Solar sunroof
Operates the fresh air fan to reduce interior temperature when parked in sun
Operates the fresh air fan to reduce interior temperature when parked in sun
Originally Posted by GFerg
Interesting if true. However it doesnt seem like it will boost MPG significantly if at all. Maybe in future generations it will play a larger role.
Trending Topics
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
here's another link
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080706/bs_nm/toyota_dc_1
Yours is a solar panel moonroof. And like you said, it'll be used to run the A/C system so the engine doesn't have to run. The Prius will have the roof covered in panels. Presumely to trick charge the battery to supplement regenerative braking; anything to minimise the use of the engine to recharge the battery.
maybe not but it's a small step in the right direction. Plus, it can supplement regenerative braking so it's like having a more efficient regenerative braking system except it also works when the car is moving and at a standstill.
I thought the exhaust heat recovery system was on the Estima HSD... or at least a concept on the Estima HSD.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080706/bs_nm/toyota_dc_1
I wouldn't be surprised if it's true. I would expect Toyota to use some new innovations on the next-gen Prius. Last year it was actually rumoured that Toyota would equip solar panels on the next-gen Prius, along with an exhaust heat recovery system.
Regarding solar panels, the only question would be durability, for example during severe weather.
Regarding solar panels, the only question would be durability, for example during severe weather.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: WA
here's another link
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080706/bs_nm/toyota_dc_1
Yours is a solar panel moonroof. And like you said, it'll be used to run the A/C system so the engine doesn't have to run. The Prius will have the roof covered in panels. Presumely to trick charge the battery to supplement regenerative braking; anything to minimise the use of the engine to recharge the battery.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080706/bs_nm/toyota_dc_1
Yours is a solar panel moonroof. And like you said, it'll be used to run the A/C system so the engine doesn't have to run. The Prius will have the roof covered in panels. Presumely to trick charge the battery to supplement regenerative braking; anything to minimise the use of the engine to recharge the battery.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Correct, the Estima hybrid has an exhaust heat recovery system. I simply meant the Prius current does not, but the next-gen is sure to have it. That, along with other new innovations like the rumoured solar panels together should provide a meaningful boost in fuel economy without compromising other things performance.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
I don't know the specifics. I'm thinking it's used as radiant heat to heat the cabin... unless I got it confused with another concept...
TRD, help me out on this please!
ahh ok. I wonder if they'll keep the thermos system though. It seems none of the other Toyota/Lexus hybrids have them. I don't know if it's because Toyota thought it's not worth the extra cost or because they wanted to make the other cars normal (without having the sound of the coolant pump whenever you turn on/off the car).
<shrug>. I didn't make the headlines 
TRD, help me out on this please!
Correct, the Estima hybrid has an exhaust heat recovery system. I simply meant the Prius current does not, but the next-gen is sure to have it. That, along with other new innovations like the rumoured solar panels together should provide a meaningful boost in fuel economy without compromising other things performance.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 0
From: International
solar powered + plug in Prius is doable. the problem is the cost
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJX-sGn5RDo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJX-sGn5RDo