4.7.2019 Cologne. With the power of the sun, the Toyota Motor Corporation sends electrified vehicles on the road.
Together with the research and development organization NEDO and the battery manufacturer Sharp tests, the Japanese automotive company as of the end of July 2019 demo vehicles based on the Prius Plug-in Hybrid (fuel consumption combined weighting of 1.0 l/100 km + 7.2 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions are 22 g/km). Built-in solar panels to improve range and fuel efficiency of the compact model.
The used prototypes use high-efficient solar cells by Sharp, with a conversion efficiency of about 34 percent. In the framework of a NEDO project developed solar cell modules has been attached to Toyota, among others, on the roof, the bonnet, the tailgate and other Parts of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Due to the higher cell efficiency and larger surface area of the solar plant has a nominal capacity of 860 watts, which is compared to the conventional Prius Plug-in Hybrid (solar-charging system) about 4.8 times.
In addition to the significant increase in power generation of the test vehicles do not benefit from the fact that the System is charging only during Parking, but also during the journey – a novelty, to enlarge the range in electric mode significantly.
Toyota has been testing the vehicles under different conditions in Toyota City, Tokyo and other regions. The company collects and verifies data on the amount of power generation of the solar battery modules and the amount of the drive battery is being charged. The information will help in the development of a solar charging system for vehicles.
At the same time, the data are provided to NEDO and Sharp available. In April 2016, based on “PV-based vehicle strategy Committee” (PV: photovoltaic), which is sponsored by NEDO and other companies, assessed the Use of solar systems for electrified vehicles in the case of the CO2 emission of and the number of load operations. With the results of a new market for solar cells, modules could arise in the transport sector, and to the solution of energy and environmental issues contribute.
Toyota’s Solar-Powered Drive (Photo: Toyota)
