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.
The Prius is the latest Toyota model to hit the headlines for acceleration issues as the hybrid has experienced two high profile runaway incidents this week alone.
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Here is a quick comparison of the Toyota Prius and the Chevy Volt.
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Nissan unveiled their new electric car the Nissan Leaf that will hit the market in 2010 and get easily 100 mpg per charge.
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Honda Motors plans to roll out a gas-electric hybrid version of its Fit subcompact next year. The Honda Fit hybrid is expected in late 2010 and Honda is hoping to tap growing demand for low-emission vehicles.
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Toyota has the Supra Hybrid back in the plans for 2011 and it will be the sharpest hybrid on the market when it arrives.
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