Toyota Pursues Solar-Powered Car

The Associated Press is reporting that Toyota is “secretly” developing a solar-powered vehicle, even as the Japanese company faces its first down year after 70 years of positive growth.

Don’t get too excited just yet, though. Probably the biggest story here is why the AP wrote a story on a potential solar car from Toyota. This is no different than any automaker that has a prototype in the R&D department. Toyota has cultivated a reputation for being on the cutting edge of green technology, and it will gain key expertise when its battery developer, Panasonic, absorbs solar leader Sanyo this year. Still, that does not change the fundamental technical issues of a solar-powered car.

The technology to build such a car exists, no problem. But you have to ask, what kind of range will it have? How much will it cost? Is anyone going to buy a $200,000 car that has to recharge after 35 miles?

In other words, can a solar-powered car be mass-produced and work for the lifestyles of the car-buying public?

We should also state that this report has nothing to do with the more-substantiated rumors that Toyota might integrate small solar panels into a future hybrid to help power some electronic systems.

Report: Toyota Developing Solar Powered Green Car (Associated Press)

Comments

[Amy, Austin Personal Training]

It's about time.

Solar technology has to be ten times more efficient then the best stuff currently on the market, and ten times cheaper before a solar powered car can even be considered

[Lil'Tom]

That article doesn't say the car is expected to run ONLY on solar power. It just has rooftop solar panels to contribute a little energy. GM has said the Volt will have this as an option.

[Rob Gerber]

Next to Honda Toyota probably has the best R&D group in the auto industry. If anyone can deliver a solar car it's Toyota. GM delivers recalls and bail-out promises and that's it!

I will be skeptical of the technology until there is a solar powered car on a dealership lot. Until then I think it is just a green image ploy.

[sarahsmile90]

I thought it to be solar powered with a battery back-up. It seems like it would have to have some kind of back up system.

Why not just make it an EV? The solar panels will just hike up the price.

[Boeingboy]

I hope they have something in the works to protect the solar panels. I've seen lots of cars with dents and broken glass due to hail...

[Trick]

We live in CO and have had a solar panel on the roof-top for close to six years. That thing has gone through several hail storms without any damage. I think solar panels could be imbedded into a cars roof and withstand a lot of abuse.

[pierre]

I say we all start riding bicycles.

[Yardley]

I hope they should comeup with something very new and most powerful solar systems on it. http://solar-powered-cars.info/

[jjxw]

fuel cell better