New solar kit on Toyota Prius charges the vehicle on move

A new demo unit of Toyota Prius has been furnished with a solar kit on the hood, roof, rear hatch door and the other parts by which, the carmaker claims that it can charge the new vehicle while on the move. The technology is developed in conjunction with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and Sharp Corporation, the famous Japanese automaker, Toyota. 

The solar kit is developed by the Sharp. To be sure about the efficiency, the car will give an array of public trials in several driving conditions in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Tokyo, and other areas. The tests will start from the month’s end.

Being famous for making premium cars with petrol-electric hybrid technology, Toyota has been experimenting with solar power so that it can boost up the power of the battery. It had offered a solar roof option in Prius a couple of years ago. However, this experiment could only improve the electric range merely by 6.1 Km per day with the power output of 180 W.

The new module can provide a power output around 860 W, which is quite exceptional as it is around 4.8-times higher than the commercial Prius having the solar charging system. Also, the driving range for the demo car is increased to 56.3 km. A system is also there to charge the battery when the vehicle is parked or it's being driven. 

“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,” the company says in a statement.