The company sells
conversion kits that can be used with hybrid cars.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — The curved roof of the Toyota Prius in
front of the Solar Electrical Systems office is covered with 146 dark,
4-inch-square solar cells.
When Greg Johanson first had the idea to give the hybrid car a bit
of solar electrical energy, he didn’t know what a challenge that curved
roof would present.
Johanson’s company had to embed the solar cells into fiberglass and custom mold it.
Tapping the roof, Johanson called the Prius the “worst vehicle” for testing his concept.
“I have a habit of doing things backward,” he said. “If we could make the worst vehicle work, the easy vehicle should be easy.”…………..To read the rest
It’s always nice to see when some people are already doing things that you think about doing.
If you decide to look at your options for new cars on the market these days you’ll will be pleasantly surprised at all the new and exciting technology with hybrids and maybe if you are doing some real research on the matter you may even find a fuel efficient diesel car like the Smart Car. The U.S. released will be gasoline not diesel (how convenient for oil companies)
If you really get interested in better fuel efficiency and alternatives you’ll be happy to know that there are many new alternatives including the Fuel Cell, Biodiesel, and Plug-in Hybrids. These ,however, may not all be available yet nor in mass production.
If you continue your research you may find something called the Ev1. This little short-lived gem was the first fully electric production vehicle by GM and got over 80 mile per charge. Have you ever heard of this car? Chances are unless you’ve done your research the answer is no. There are many reasons you haven’t heard of it, but one that comes to mind is perhaps the companies it stands to challenge the most:Big Oil. If you haven’t watched Who killed the Electric Car I would strongly recommend it.
So far the Plug-in Hybrid is the next logical move from oil dependent vehicles but they still do consist of gasoline powered engines. If you have been completely enraged after seeing all this material and don’t want to wait another 5 years or more before the plug ins are in mass production ,you can get your current hybrid converted for around 12,000. But like most things that are progressive and eco-friendly, these conversions are being done mostly in California. There are some useful links to help you on your new journey to becoming an eco- friendly commuter.
You can always get you current car converter to all electric. They don’t do as well in the range you can drive as the EV1 but if its your only need to drive 40-50 mile at a time you may want to look into it.
I would strongly recommend it. 