Toyota Prius to have Solar powered air conditioning in 2009
Published 7/8/2008 1:13:08 PM by staff from ecoistabode
The Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid will become even greener in 2009 as it introduces solar powered air conditioning on highend models. The solar panels on the roof of the new Prius model will provide 2 to 5 kilowatts of electricity, The Nikkei said in a report without citing sources. Toyota plans to purchase the panels from Japanese electronics maker Kyocera Corp.
Adding solar panels to a model targeting mass consumers would mark a first for a major automaker, The Nikkei said. Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco declined to comment, saying the company doesn't comment on product plans. A Toyota official, speaking on condition of anonymity, has said details on what will be a third-generation Prius will likely be revealed in May 2009. He did not elaborate.
Sales of the Prius have been booming, thanks to soaring gasoline prices and growing worries about global warming. A hybrid delivers better mileage by switching between a gasoline-fueled engine and an electric motor. Toyota has sold more than a million Prius models over the past decade and is planning to sell a million hybrids a year sometime after 2010.
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