Mexican Media Brands
Toyota Tests Improved Solar Panels to Charge EVs
Toyota Motor Corp. has begun testing a Prius Prime plug-in hybrid sedan fitted with next-generation solar panels on the hood, roof, rear window and spoiler.
#hybrid #electronics
Share
Toyota Motor Corp. has begun testing a Prius Prime plug-in hybrid sedan fitted with next-generation solar panels on the hood, roof, rear window and spoiler.
The photovoltaic cells developed by Sharp Corp. are thinner and more efficient than the roof-mounted Panasonic units currently offered on the Prius in select markets. That system—which helps power auxiliary components while the car is running and cab partially recharge the battery when parked—boosts fuel efficiency by as much as 10% on sunny days.
The new Sharp cells have an efficiency rate of 34% and can generate about 860 watts of electricity, according to Toyota. This compares with 180 watts and a 22.5% rating for the current Panasonic array.
During initial tests, the new solar panels added 35 miles of electric range to the Prius demonstration vehicle. But Toyota says performance is significantly less on cloudy days.
The new solar cells are about 0.03 mm thick, which Toyota says allows them to be form fitted to the car’s body panels. The overall system adds about 180 lbs to the car.
Toyota officials tell Reuters that production applications are “years away.” Significant cost and weight reductions are needed before that happens, they acknowledge.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Jeeps Modified for Moab
On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.
-
On Automotive: An All Electric Edition
A look at electric vehicle-related developments, from new products to recycling old batteries.
-
Cobots: 14 Things You Need to Know
What jobs do cobots do well? How is a cobot programmed? What’s the ROI? We asked these questions and more to four of the leading suppliers of cobots.
