Toyota makes a silly.
Toyota, the undisputed champion of the hybrid-world, is contemplating adding solar panels to the next generation of Prius cars even though they know they’ll get a scant amount of electricity from it. It’s already being called a “symbolic” gesture.
Dear Toyota: really? You want to have Prius owners excommunicated from the driving public even more? (”Look at that ass with the fancy schmancy solar panel on his car.”) You’re willing to handle the additional electrical maintenance costs in your base warranty? Do I have to worry about washing the car differently? Does the additional weight of the solar panel even get offset by the energy it produces?
With all these questions, how is something “symbolic” at best worth it?
Toyota’s next generation of Prius hybrid cars will be fitted with solar panels to power on-board electrical items such as the air-conditioning system, it is reported. [From Toyota Prius may get 'symbolic' solar panels - tech - 07 July 2008 - New Scientist Tech]
July 11th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Hey, if it keeps my battery from dying when one of my kids leaves the overhead light on in the back seat - or keeps my car cool when I leave it in the sun all day - I’m all for it!