The next generation plug-in-hybrid Toyota Prius gets a little "greener" thanks to the presence of rooftop solar panels for recharging the batteries. The panels can charge the car, even if it's parked, it can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent, allowing you to make longer trips solely on electric.
Unusual roof will be available for markets in Europe and Japan, at least initially. But koji Toyoshima, chief engineer, says that his team is trying to achieve output of solar panels on all the markets where they sell the Prius. The fact that the solar panels are placed on reinforced sheet material which does not pass rigid crash tests rollover in America.
Today Toyota has no technology for stacking of solar cells in the resin, which will not be broken so dangerous rollover. But the company is working on a solution. In Japan, the plug-in hybrid Prius will be called Prius PHV. Toyota has not announced whether the solar panels to enter into standard equipment of the hatchback.
In addition to charging batteries during the stop, the solar panels also power lamps, electric Windows and air conditioning, when the machine is working, says Toyota. Toyoshima also said that the company hopes to introduce solar panels and other hybrids of the company. The automaker is developing technology "solar roof" over the last few years. published
P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©
Source: auto.today/news/avto/4225-sleduyuschiy-toyota-prius-poluchit-solnechnye-paneli.html