Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota to trial solar batteries on electrified cars

Manufacturer announces joint project with Sharp and NEDO to assess potential of solar battery technology

Toyota will test new solar battery technology on public roads with a specially designed demonstration car, the Japanese firm has announced.

A set of "high-efficiency solar battery cells" of a type previously developed by electronics giant Sharp for a project with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) have been installed the on the roof, bonnet and bootlid of a Prius Plug-In.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The aim of the trial is to assess the potential of the technology, which could deliver a significant boost to the pure-electric, zero-emissions range of Toyota electrified vehicles.

Solar charging isn’t new to Toyota: high-spec versions of the current Prius Plug-In have solar cells in the roof, which charge the auxiliary battery and power features like the sat nav.

However, the latest developments are said to make solar charging significantly more efficient, with power generation rising from 180W on the production model to around 860W on the demonstration vehicle.

Toyota says this equates to nearly 28 miles of additional electric driving range, based on the amount of energy gathered in a single day.

The new system also allows the battery to be charged while on the move; the current car can only convert sunlight into electricity while stationary.

Toyota plans to conduct its public trials in Tokyo and other areas, with data on power generation and battery charging used to develop the next generation of solar technology.

However, the company is looking beyond the electrified car market, saying that its aim is to create "a new solar battery panel market" that would benefit the transport and energy sectors.

Toyota rivals Hyundai and Kia are also experimenting with solar roof technology and Dutch start-up Lightyear has revealed its Lightyear One prototype – a pure electric car that uses both solar and plug-in charging.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best car manufacturers named in 2024 Driver Power survey
Driver Power best car manufacturers header image
News

Best car manufacturers named in 2024 Driver Power survey

6 Aug 2024
Toyota FT-Se is the GR Yaris’ even cooler electric sports car sibling
Toyota FT-Se - front studio
News

Toyota FT-Se is the GR Yaris’ even cooler electric sports car sibling

25 Oct 2023

Most Popular

Top 10 best electric cars for dog owners 2024
electric cars for dog owners header
Best cars

Top 10 best electric cars for dog owners 2024

Tired of working like a dog to find the ideal EV for you and your furry friend? We list the best models
15 Oct 2024
Top 10 best electric family cars 2024
Best electric family cars
Best cars

Top 10 best electric family cars 2024

From hatchbacks to SUVs, here are our top picks for the best family EVs on the market right now
17 Oct 2024
Alfa Romeo Junior review
Alfa Romeo Junior - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Alfa Romeo Junior review

The first fully-electric Alfa is a special car, but it also offers plenty of sensible qualities
17 Oct 2024