A Canadian engineer has prototyped a Photovoltaic Prius - a 2001 Prius augmented with roof-top solar panels and an additional battery system to supplement the charge in the original equipment NiMH batteries. Steve Lapp's PV Prius is still a rough prototype - a demonstration of concept - but even with the limitations of the systems, he has achieved an initial 10% fuel efficiency improvement from 4.5L/100km (52 mpg US) to 4.0L/100km (59 mpg US). Full Article
Interesting start, kind of like the battery pack from the Californians getting 80 MPG +.. but still not economically viable yet but it should get there, both. Trick is to find a way to get it to the general population to sell volumes., so prices can be affordable. The recent media fuss about the hybrid battery plug in boost system still costs around $11,000 to $12,000 to put in..the price needs to go down..but it sure is interesting.
A plug-in photovoltaic Prius hehe. plug it in at night when power usage is low but use solar energy during the day if needed. I mean, it doesn't have to be a full blown thing. A small bit and a reduced price to boost fuel economy is still good. <sigh> Price is always a factor. Once solar energy capture is efficient, that'll ease the load on the grids.
Yep., that is how it starts..technology still has a way to go for efficient use of Solar, and cost effective. Batteries are getting there., our car here is a good example, current battery noted in the news stories is $39.99 per battery, and you need 80 of them, then you also have a $3,600 charger and also a proprietary console + labor and knowledge. The California Initiative is a 501c, and they are affiliated or use a for profit group or company to develop and make the battery units. It indeed is very tempting, but the $11,000-$12,000 price right now is tight, note $3200 appx in batteries, $3600 in charger = $6800 right off the bat, then the panel and the labor.
