Prius Goes Solar

High-end models of the 2009 Toyota Prius, the most popular car in the U.S. and the most fuel efficient, will now have a new claim to fame: solar panels.

The cars’ solar arrays, according to unconfirmed reports, will only produce enough electricity to keep the air conditioner running.

But according to this Prius White Paper, a solar-powered Prius could drive between five to eight miles on solar power alone, which could actually reduce gas consumption by 17 to 29 percent.

Solar-powered vehicles are not a new idea. There are a variety of prototypes of alternative vehicles that have been designed with solar panels to provide extra green power. However, Toyota is a major car maker, and that’s a first.

Recently Added to Automotive

  • Waste Management Tests New Efficient Trucks

    The following is an op-ed piece by Wes Muir, director of communications for Waste Management. It does not describe the views or opinions of Earth911.

    For better or for worse, garbage can be heavy, wet and bulky. This has presented a …

  • Chevy’s New Eco Labels Show Cars’ Impact

    When shopping for a new car, its fuel economy label will tell you estimated miles per gallon, but you’re left in the dark about the environmental impact of the vehicle over its lifetime, from production to disposal.

    Now Chevrolet is going …

  • OnStar to Match Volt Drivers with Clean Energy

    Chevy Volt drivers may soon have a cleaner way to charge their plug-in electric hybrids.

    General Motors announced Monday that OnStar, its subscription-based communication and navigation system, is developing a technology that would allow Volt owners to choose renewable energy when …

Earth911

Earth911 is an environmental services company that addresses solutions for products' end-of-life for both businesses and consumers.