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Solar powered Prius

Solar powered Prius

Viknesh Vijayenthiran June 2nd, 2007 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author June 2nd, 2007
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December 31st, 1969 California-based Solar Electrical Vehicles (SEV) has created a unique option for the Prius electric hybrid. The kit consists of a convex solar-panel made from high efficiency mono-crystalline photovoltaic cells, with modules rated at 200-300 watts. The power is used to charge a 3kW secondary battery that can be used to drive the vehicle up to 20 miles per day on electric power alone. With fuel economy improved by around 29%, depending on driving style, owners could recuperate most of the $2000-$4000 cost of installing the system within 2 to 3 years. Performance can also be improved further with the addition of higher-capacity batteries that are currently in development, potentially adding another 10 miles of electric-only drive. “All the technology is there,” said SEV president Greg Johanson in a recent interview with the San Fernando Business Journal. “It’s just the larger manufacturer taking the next step,” he added. The company is now looking at developing similar systems for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and even the Tesla Roadster.
Solar powered Prius

Solar powered Prius

Enlarge Photo

California-based Solar Electrical Vehicles (SEV) has created a unique option for the Prius electric hybrid. The kit consists of a convex solar-panel made from high efficiency mono-crystalline photovoltaic cells, with modules rated at 200-300 watts. The power is used to charge a 3kW secondary battery that can be used to drive the vehicle up to 20 miles per day on electric power alone.

Solar_prius_01.jpgEnlarge Photo
With fuel economy improved by around 29%, depending on driving style, owners could recuperate most of the $2000-$4000 cost of installing the system within 2 to 3 years. Performance can also be improved further with the addition of higher-capacity batteries that are currently in development, potentially adding another 10 miles of electric-only drive.

“All the technology is there,” said SEV president Greg Johanson in a recent interview with the San Fernando Business Journal. “It’s just the larger manufacturer taking the next step,” he added. The company is now looking at developing similar systems for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and even the Tesla Roadster.

Tags: Technical

Posted in: Toyota, News, Hybrid, Prius


Comments (4 total)

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  1. By Larry #1, Posted: 6/3/2007

    I doubt that small solar collectors that size can supply 29% improvement in fuel economy. I have a friend who uses a smaller solar collector in her car and they do work, but the power added is very small. The collectors in the picture look to be roughly 4 feet x 5 feet, not enough to turn on the headlights. Alternate energy is important, we should not allow people to lie to us.

  2. By Kacey Green #2, Posted: 6/5/2007

    It does look small but the article says it puts out 200-300 watts.
    The HID headlights draw 35 watts each and rolling at 30 mph takes ~150 w/h per mile (from various Prius groups but the numbers are out there) this looks legit to me, but expensive.

  3. By fred #3, Posted: 5/21/2008

    $2,000-$4,000 is pretty fair enough compared to making your own kit. A 62W 23V flexi solar panel costs around $900 each and 12V 265Ah gel batteries costs around $500 and this not include the electronics.

  4. By Daysleeper #4, Posted: 7/7/2008

    If you're out of fuel - just stay still for a couple of hours and then drive again - It's a dream!

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