Solar trial for Toyota Prius PHEV

A solar panel covered Toyota Prius PHEV will be run on public roads in Japan from late July to test the cruising range and fuel efficiency of electrified vehicles with high-efficiency solar batteries.

The trial is being run in conjunction with Sharp which has created onboard solar cell battery panels to deliver 860 Watts – about 4.8 times more than its previous Japan-only Prius Prime solar option which gave it about six kilometres of extra electric driving.

Improving the solar battery panel’s efficiency and adding more onboard panels can power the Prius for about 56km.

While the previous solar system charges only when the vehicle is parked, this improved version also charges while the vehicle is driven.

The roof, hood and rear hatch door and other parts are covered with 0.03mm solar cells, thin enough to be shaped to the Prius’ body.

Solar battery cell conversion efficiency is rated at more than 34%.

Toyota intends holding the trials under various driving conditions in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Tokyo, and other areas.

Data derived from the trial will be used to develop an onboard solar recharging system.

“The goal is to contribute to the creation of a new solar battery panel market, including the transport sector, and find solutions for energy and environmental issues,” Toyota says.