Hyundai did it on the Sonata Hybrid in I think 22-23'ish but it only got a few miles / day added so they got rid of it for the much more in demand sun roof. Too bad Toyota went FWD instead of AWD on this model. That instantly deterred me. If they come out with an AWD of the new prime, I'll pay cash right away.
Been looking for the Prius Prime with solar roof but they are almost impossible to find. Toyota is hardly building any of them with this option and you cannot do factory orders Toyota to get one to a dealership.
We had to wait for 21 months for our 2024 Prime (we actually ordered a 2022). One month after it arrived Toyota placed a Stop Sale Order on all of the Prius models. Whew ! In my opinion, that order is not necessary. By default, when the car is shifted into Drive all the doors lock. Yes, I know the setting can be changed by owners, perhaps leading to a door opening. However, any Toyota dealer can temporarily stop the Auto-Lock default from being turned off.
I am just seeing this here on the weekend for the first time. I have a concept and development model of the Prius with the solar panel but the earlier plug in models have really been effective with gas mileage. Thank you for your explanation. using a phone and good computer in the car need to be explained more frequently.
We contacted at least 3 dealers in California. All of them told us they could not order or having the Prius prime with Solar panel in stock. So how will the customer get a chance to order the one with this cool function.
i dont think the solar panel has the ability to charge the high voltage battery. everyone seems to be misunderstanding this. once the low voltage battery is full, basically no more range added with the exception of ofsetting parasitic low voltage load.... currently adding 2x 100w solar panels to my 2014 volt and i wont be adding an inverter...
@@henryw4129 ya ive read that and also the new prius with the solar roof says the same thing but im pretty sure it wont try to transfer energy into the high voltage battery until its absolutely full on the low voltage system and even then will only transfer about 1-2 miles per day worth in short 200wh segments. if the 12v battery only holds ~500wh of useful charge, you have to wait till its completely full to transfer any small quantity back coz the contactors and stuff use about 200-300 w/h just to run and have the high voltage system not isolated. basing this theoretical info on whats been made public about the new prius.
wind energy is resistance and drag, no free lunch, it'll equal out or be net negative. i bet the solar panel option on this too is just for trickle charge to stop it from passively discharging while parked for long amounts of time. less than a mile per day of solar energy i'm guessing in the best circumstances.
@@Robin-xe4yzRight, the reason so few have the panel is because it doesn't save anyone money and it's mostly for the novelty of saying you have a solar powered car
