Toyota to equip Prius with solar panels

I would like to be able to plug in my Prius but I would also love to have solar panels that could charge my batteries so I wouldn't have to plug it in.

Sounds great but it is just some artificially made green-flavored icing on the Prius cake. On sunny days leave your Prius at home and ride your bike.

I've been a Toyota fan for a long time as well as a my own but I love the FJ Cruiser, which is the best suv Safari vehicle on the planet next to the Defender 110 suv Safari Vehicles. I Feel that Toyota should do a better job on redesigning the prius and make it more sporty looking like the Fast and the Ferious cars all trick out and cool looking. I strongly believe that once they do that, they'll sell a whole lot more of them but keep the motor the same.

Why the hell didn't they do this and others do this earlier?

If Americans had a better science education in public schools... I think we as a society would all be more responsible to the environment. And we would understand how chllenging it really is to innovate and create cleaner technologies.

I was thinking about that concept but Toyota beat me to it. They read my mind.

Toyota continues to innovate, besides most of their cars are produced here in the US. Great company.

how much to maintain?

Someday we will laugh at this kind of thing.

I have a novel method of transportation that uses no fossil fuels and only emits an occasional burst of methane. You get tired of running after a while though.

There is a strand of research right now trying to equip cellular phones with a skin that absorbs light and recharges the battery. I can only imagine where we will be if funds are allocated into research and development for more efficient/environmentally friendly sources of energy.

OR texas ricky its 102 right now outside. But why do all the new cars look so dumb? Give me something with a good look.

This is a great idea. Anyone who lives in a semi-tropical environment (like Florida) could tell you that a good percentage of their gas is spent on powering that air conditioner.

cool! I think Apple should put them on their Ipods!

Sure it only supplies 2 of the 5 watts needed to power the air conditioner but I suppose you have to start somewhere.

To all who think the hi-MPG cars look like a refrigerator on wheels.

That is what they are... a transportation appliance. If you open the door the little light comes on and everything.

Get over it.

only if i had money for suck a car

I completely agree with furryjenn. Imagine where we could be if our tax dollars had gone to research instead of Iraq. Now we just need a government that understands that.

Looks like Japan doesn't sleep on the tracks!

I can't wait to see it! The U.S. needs to start spending more money on research and development and less on stupid wars, because its inventions like these that leaves me saying "why did'nt we come up with that?"

damn it, why couldnt they do this to the yaris!

Sweet! I was wondering when they would get around to this. Now all they need to do is add an eco-friendly interior and its all good.

A company called Hymotion does a plug-in upgrade on the Prius which adds more batteries and yields up to 100 MPG for the first 30-40 miles you drive on a charge.

Awesome! Now we need to require all new buildings to have PV panels on the roof to be on their own community grids.

Toyota needs to make plug-in models now - not 2010. The technology exists. Solar roof will only improve efficiency slightly. Beefier batteries and a plug-in charger will yield 100+ MPG now. Get with it Toyota - I love my Prius and now I want a plug-in.

I wonder if you can upgrade your existing Prius. Guys I went from a BMW 545 2005 to a Prius and not even for a second I regret it.

Let's hope they make it look like something other than a refrigerator on wheels.

This is why I love Toyota and the Prius. They seem to be taking steps farther and farther away from the gas pump, and closer and closer to something more ecosystem and economically friendly.