2013 Audi A3

Solar powered Prius

 
4 2,698 views Jun 2, 2007
Follow Viknesh

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:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (4)

  1. By Larry Posted: 6/3/2007 11:10am PDT

    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.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By Kacey Green Posted: 6/5/2007 3:02pm PDT

    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.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. By fred Posted: 5/21/2008 7:13pm PDT

    $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.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. By Daysleeper Posted: 7/7/2008 9:31am PDT

    If you're out of fuel - just stay still for a couple of hours and then drive again - It's a dream!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.