Toyota Prius will become solomobile 4.8 times more

5 July 2019

For Toyota Ptius testing the integrated charge from the solar panels

Toyota has announced plans to test in Japan experienced santamobile on the basis of the hybrid model Prius PHEV with an integrated exterior solar panels. Tests will be held in conjunction with the research organization NEDO and manufacturer of Sharp batteries, starting from the end of this month.

Integrated solar modules installed on the roof, hood and rear door Prius PHEV and designed to increase range and improve fuel efficiency. The Japanese automaker did not specify exactly what outcome it is going to achieve.

The tests will take place in Japan, for example, in Tokyo, Toyota city and other regions of the country. Both partners hope to simulate in the framework of the project different soil conditions. So, Toyota said it will collect data on the amount of electricity produced by the solar cell module, and the amount of energy used to charge the traction battery. This information should help in the development of a system of charging vehicles from solar power.
The data will also be transmitted to the other two, who supply solar cells partners NEDO and Sharp. According to the statement Toyota lasing efficiency solar cells is more than 34%. The entire area of the installed solar energy system on a Prius-e is designed to achieve output power of 860 watts. Is 4.8 times greater output of electricity compared to a small solar panel installed on the Prius as an option.

Another new feature of the test vehicles is that they produce electricity not only when Parking, but also while driving on the road. Toyota hope that this will lead to an increase in driving range in electric mode. However nominal consumption model Prius PHEV is 7.2 kW•h per 100 kilometers, so during the trip, the solar panels will be able to make only a small contribution to the current consumption of the machine even in Sunny weather.