Solar Kits to Aid Hybrid Efficiency

Solar Electric Vehicles and solar pioneer Greg Johanson have developed a solar kit for the Toyota Prius that increases range and and fuel econemy far and above the norm for the hybrid.  The DIY solar kit increases range by up to 20 miles and fuel econonmy by up to 25%.  The company is testing its first solar energy system exclusively for hybrids in four Prius prototypes and a Highlander.

The kit will come with an instructional DVD to aid in installation and can generate as many as 1,300 watt-hours a day, enough to give your solar Prius a solar power range of 5 to 8 miles.  Couple that with the NiMH battery and you're looking at an all-electric range of up to 20 miles, the company says. That's enough to boost fuel economy at least 20%.

As if the Toyota Prius were not environmentally friendly enough,  with the solar conversion battery life is extended and CO2 emissions are cut by at least 9,000 pounds over the life of the car.  solar Electric Vehicles hopes to expand their marketing and reach an agreement for the Chevy Volt as well as other hybrid models.