Toyota Testing Solar Prius Prime

Wow, 860W is more than half of L1 charging speed (1440W). That would make the solar roof actually helpful. It could fully recharge the traction battery during the day eg while parked at work.

Sadly it looks like they achieved this by covering the back window, so maybe we won’t get 860 in a production version.

 

See also https://priuschat.com/threads/toyota-testing-new-solar-powered-prius.207751

Considering that the panels won't be close to ideally orientated towards the sun, and that the sun is moving, don't count on a full recharge. Average solar power rate will be significantly lower than the panel rating.

 

I read in realistic conditions it'll only add about 1.8mi/ day (also charges the 12V while driving). Not sure if that pays for the added weight, but in Japan you can use the charge port to EXTRACT energy from the traction battery which means it's not bad for camping or disaster relief.

 

Be careful to look at the date of the published material. In your case, that information is 2 generations outdated. Toyota is really good at continuous improvement.

 

As evidenced by the top-notch 1990's vintage NAV system in the Primes....

 

The transition from their propriety system to adoption of what are becoming industry standards would be rough regardless of how it happened, you should know better. What would you have suggested for approach?

Think of how much was invested in making the rest of the system attached to it available. There was a lot of cost to consider. It's not common to offer that large of a display that's also compatible across a variety of sizes anyway.

Remember, the balance of cost is a big deal and licensing adds to the final price tag.

 

I have no idea what you are saying - again, in English please?

Are you saying a giant company like Toyota can't put a NAV system in their cars that is at least as good as a $200 Garmin?

 

Acknowledging that I'm butting in... but you took the words right out of my mouth. I've been saying exactly that for years. I can't name a single exception. Every last automaker is churning out comically bad onboard navigation, and you can universally do better with a $200 garmin $25 secondhand garmin from a yard sale.