The next-gen Prius may be outfitted with solar panels on the roof to help power the air conditioner. It’s new for Toyota as a factory option, but enthusiasts have had solar roof applications for years.

Not much is known about this option yet to say whether or not it’s going to be worth the investment, but I would say this may be an option where third-party options provide a better return on investment. (Though other enthusiasts have been calling that a negligible return.)

My favorite thing about technology is how one idea can lead to another … then another, then another. Solar power on the roof may not provide major benefits today, but by investing in it, are we encouraging advancements for tomorrow?

If you’re near Wisconsin in mid-July, stop by Hybridfest 2008. The third annual convention will focus heavily on driving techniques to help save between 30 cents and 1 dollar per gallon. Along with that, you’ll see more alternative energy cars here than anywhere else.

Hybridfest 2008
Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 20 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Located at Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin

You’ll be able to catch plug-ins, electrics, biodiesel, hydrogen and other alternative autos, as well as listen to the experts speak on how to save gas with everyday vehicles. Then there’s the Hybridfest MPG Challenge where drivers do their best to stretch their mileage.

Speakers include:
Felix Kramer, Cal-Cars
Mike Granoff, Project Better Place
Jo-Ann Yantzis, Clean Energy
Francis Vogel, Wisconsin Clean Cities
Wayne Gerdes, CleanMPG
Peter Kozan, MPG Challenge Winner
Michael Sefton, Diesels 101

Hybridfest 2008 is presented as part of Dane County Fair. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 11, parking and admission for younger children is free. Visit the Hybridfest website for more information.

* Don’t forget to comment to win a free Rand McNally road atlas … now Earth-Friendlier!*

I’m terrible at golf. I’ve tried it, and without the plywood crocodiles and moving dutch windmills, I just can’t concentrate long enough not to tear big chunks up out of the sod. Everywhere. In fact, I believe I may be banned - permanently - from the local country club (and parks and rec, and pleasant hill…) but that’s besides the point, really. I’ve had fun driving the golf carts around, and was happily surprised to find they’ve gone solar, too. Not only because solar energy saves fuel and creates less pollution but because they’re a better financial investment for owners.

“Your range is going to be longer because as you’re driving, it’s charging,” [Arizona golf car salesman, Jack Santoro] said. “Life expectancy of the batteries will be longer because the (solar) panel is constantly charging the batteries.”

Batteries last an average of two years longer in solar cars. At about $900 every five years for a new battery in non-solar cars, Santoro said the savings add up.

“The battery life will be extended to about seven years,” he said. “It’s worth about $200 in batteries alone.”

While electric cars have about 30 miles per eight- to 10-hour charge, the solar cars get about 50 miles per six-hour charge and supplement the charge using sunlight on daily outings, he said.

“With a conventional car, you’re going to charge it about every single day,” he said. “With a solar car, you may charge it every third day.”

So not only does solar save on pollution and batteries, but potentially your electric bill, as well. One more small step we can take at reducing our impact.

Source: East Valley Tribune

Photo: Solar Golf Cars

Hopefully we can get an actual owner to chime in here, but this is my impression of the Zap Xebra so far:

The Xebra is an adorable, fun little car … but it is little. You can’t ride it on highways, and you may be stuck at 25-30 mph up steep hills. They have a range around 20 miles, and take several hours to fully charge. I’ve also heard they don’t do very well in cold weather.

However, and this goes double if you can hook it up to a solar system, you really cut down on emissions. There is a variety of options - 4 seater in the SD, or 2 seater with a truck back in the PK, they also come with upgraded battery, charger and solar panel (Xero) options. Also, sometimes you can find cheap, gently used models on eBay for thousands less than (their already inexpensive) price.

You can also check out some owner and more informational pages at Xebraworld.com. Damn. This makes me want one all over again. One thing that you’ll enjoy about this car if you’re into tinkering, is that they can be modded over and over again. Add this here and that there, and there’s a strong community of geeks (COMPLIMENT! lol) to help it happen.

And it’s not hard to tell why. This luxury crossover is packed with techie-(and environmentally-friendly)goodness.

* hydrogen fuel cells
* solar panel rooftop
* plug-ins to feed the lithium-ion batteries to the left and right
* special vents in the grill that can open up to create a more aerodynamic experience

People are really excited by this new car. The only question left is whether or not GM will go on to produce one. Hopefully that answer is yes, but with hydrogen fueling stations few and far between. The Equinox will be tested soon in Southern Cal markets, where the Honda Clarity FCX will be leased starting Summer 2009. How long will it take for this new trend in alternative auto technology to catch on, and what will it mean to the burgeoning ethanol plants Midwestern states have invested so much in?

Source:
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/01/cadillac-unveil.html

From ScrippsNews:

 ”A traditional hybrid charges its electrical battery from energy created when the gas engine is running. The owner of a plug-in hybrid can plug it into a regular wall socket overnight and start the day with a fully charged battery. That can reduce the amount of gas the Prius uses.

The solar kits push it one step further, giving motorists a little extra energy while they’re sitting in traffic or waiting to pick the kids up from soccer practice.

A solar Prius will use 17 percent to 29 percent less gasoline than a standard Prius, according to a research paper on the Solar Electrical Vehicles site.”

Read more here