Solar Powered Prius Could Be First Hybrid With Solar

Japan's business news source, Nikkei (subscription only), has reported that Toyota is planning a Prius with solar panels manufactured by Kyocera Corp. Toyota has not confirmed the reports. If Toyota achieves the rumored timing, it will be the first major manufacturer to bring a car with integrated solar panels to the mass market.

Toyota has not unveiled any design plans for the solar panels: pictured above is an artist's conception of how the Solar Prius might look. The solar panels will power the air conditioning on the world's most popular hybrid car. The last major revamp of the Prius power system was an upgrade of the hybrid synergy drive in 2003. The third generation Prius is due to be unveiled in 2009 for the 2010 model year.

The rumor mill has immediately added speculations that solar panel plans may be in the works for additional hybrid car models. The Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid is also eagerly anticipated after recent announcements. The plug-in Prius is expected to benefit from an upgrade of the NiMH batteries to Lithium-ion batteries.

The Solar Prius topic is already heating up in the TreeHugger Forums, so pop on over and make your voice heard!

Hybrid Cars
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Lithium-ion Batteries
Hitachi Maxell Lithium-ion Battery Breakthrough
Lithium-ion Battery Factory in France
Nissan and NEC announce Lithium-ion Battery Plans

Plug-in Hybrids
Toyota Unveils Plug-in Prius
Plug-in Hybrid Cars: Chart of CO2 Emissions Ranked by Power Source
Plug-in Hybrids Might not Need New Power Plants
How's The Google Plug-In Hybrid Fleet Doing?

Electric Cars
Green Basics: Electric Vehicles and Cars
Here's What Happens to a Tesla Electric Car Battery at the End of its Life

More on Toyota's Solar Prius Plans
Reuters
Motor Trend
Engadget