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Toyota Reveals All-New Prius

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Danny, Jan 12, 2009.

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  1. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    LOL! I applaud the creativity!
    I think that PV costs will go down over the years and it is likely that many companies will adopt the concept as costs decline and efficiency goes up. But I still like the post!
     
    #101 efusco, Jan 26, 2009
  2. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    This is what is currently taught in Driver Education: YouTube - Video Driving Lesson 2 Push-Pull Steering - www.2pass.co.uk

    Note this is a UK video and he is using a 10-2 grip. In Tennessee they are currently teaching 8-4 as the home position.
     
    #102 JSH, Jan 27, 2009
  3. carz89

    carz89 I study nuclear science...

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    Oh, very clever with the acronym!

    But, I disagree with your Darwinian postulation. That was pretty silly for Toyota to develop a hybrid vehicle. Notice, no one followed their lead. Pretty silly for Toyota to apply Deming's teachings on quality manufacturing. That one didn't catch on, either, did it.

    Toyota is not infallible, but I think this solar application is only the beginning (baby steps). It's ingenious, speaking as an engineer who has a fair grasp of the concepts of energy. I'm kind of surprised it took this long for it to show up in a mainstream vehicle. I'm certain other companies will replicate the rooftop solar thing. (BTW - Toyota isn't the first. see Audi, Mercedes) And Toyota and others will take it further -- covering the whole car eventually. Manufacturing costs will come down, PV cell efficiencies and technologies will improve. There's a company right now that can create windows that serve a dual role as PV cells (great for tall buildings, but could be useful in cars). I'll bet a company is working on trying to turn the whole body of a car into PV cells, complete with different colors.
     
    #103 carz89, Jan 27, 2009
  4. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Mainstream is the keyword. I am only aware of solar panel being an option in $70k+ cars. This is the first time we are seeing it in an average price car (~$26k).
     
    #104 usbseawolf2000, Jan 27, 2009
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what are the front cup holders like?:)
     
    #105 bisco, Feb 8, 2009
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    One flips up away from you and the second one is actually hidden underneath the centre console box. You slid the box back to reveal the cupholder and then if you wish to open the box, you then lift it up.
     
    #106 Tideland Prius, Feb 9, 2009
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