Toyota Gives Prius Roof-Top Solar Panels

A couple weeks ago we reported that Toyota was working on a solar-powered car that uses roof-top solar cells to produce electricity for use in the vehicle. It now appears that the rumor we heard was true as Toyota unveiled the new Prius which not only get's 50 miles to the gallon, also sports roof-top solar cell panels.

The third generation Toyota Prius has a 4 MPG better fuel rating which translates to a 9% improvement over the second generation Prius! You will also get a little more power out of the new Prius which gives up to 134 horsepower compared to only 110 horsepower on the older model. The one significant change is the addition of solar-roof powered ventilation system. Yes, the whole ventilation system runs completely on free energy.

While the solar panels are not running the entire air condition system, Toyota is moving in the right direction - free energy. The new solar-powered ventilation system will take some load off the air-conditioner by pre-cooling the interior of the car on hot summer days is definitely something to talk about.