X

Toyota Prius gets slathered in solar panels in the name of efficiency

Clean energy doesn't get cleaner than coming directly from a renewable source.

Toyota Prius solar panel prototype

Looks goofy, but it's efficient.

Toyota

While many have pointed to electric cars as one way to curb emissions, EVs still require energy to charge the batteries. If said energy comes from fossil fuels, it start to erode the vehicle's total efficiency picture.

That's why is working on what could be one solution in the future: a car covered in solar panels. Tests for this prototype Toyota Prius began back in July. The automaker is working with NEDO and Sharp to conduct the demos, with the latter contributing the solar panels for the hood, roof, rear window and spoiler.

Unlike the production Prius, which has a solar charging system in some markets, the prototype car seen here can take the sun's energy from the solar panels and directly charge the battery while parked or while driving. Initial tests found the system was able to add 35 additional miles to the Prius' range. While parked, the solar panels added about 27 miles of extra range.

The Sharp solar panels also have a far more efficient conversion rate of 34% compared with 22.5% in Toyota's current production system. The more the panels can convert to usable energy, the better.

While 35 more miles of range is nothing to brush off, we'd venture the system costs far more than what consumers would be willing to pay for the technology. Electric cars in general are hardly part of the mainstream auto market. Yet, Toyota hopes the work today will lead to future battery breakthroughs and help create a new solar panel market.

Solar panels combined with ultrafast changing networks could finally help drivers consider a switch to an electric car. But we've still got years to go before that point, more than likely.

The Toyota Prius AWD-e is equipped for inclement weather

See all photos
Watch this: The 2019 Toyota Prius adds all-wheel drive without much sacrifice
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on September 12, 2019 at 1:58 PM PDT

Our Experts

Written by 
Sean Szymkowski
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.