Toyota To Add Solar Panels To Some 2009 Prius Models
According to articles released by several news services, Toyota has plans to add solar powered air conditioners to some of its Prius models in 2009.
The Prius is a gasoline-electric hybrid and the addition of solar panels to the roof to aid in powering the air conditioning system will make the car even more “green”. This will be the first time that solar panels will have been added to a mass market vehicle.
Today, many automobile manufacturers are researching and testing ways in which solar power can be used to augment a vehicles power system to reduce environmental impacts by increasing fuel efficiency.
Public demand for greener vehicles is at an all-time high. The demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles is expected to grow as consumers become more aware of the environment and fuel prices continue to rise.
According to the report, Toyota officials refused to answer questions about plans for the solar panels, saying that the company’s policy is not to discuss future plans.