Re:Toyota testing improved solar roof for EVs that can charg...
by temporaryvector on Friday July 05, 2019 @03:08PM
(#20364967)
I did not know that, and neither did the salesman when I was choosing my current car. They really should put that feature front and center, at least locally. Maybe that option isn't available in this market.
Re:Toyota testing improved solar roof for EVs that can charg...
by tda on Friday July 05, 2019 @04:43PM
(#20365735)
The solar roof for running a fan has been around since the 2010 prius.
Re:Toyota testing improved solar roof for EVs that can charg...
by martinpw on Friday July 05, 2019 @09:21PM
(#20367129)
I had a 2010 Prius with the solar roof. It does work, but it just reduced the temperature from unbearable to quite hot, it did not make it cool. It's somewhat nice to have on very hot days, but is not really a killer feature.
Re:Toyota testing improved solar roof for EVs that can charg...
by sundvor on Friday July 05, 2019 @10:43PM
(#20367430)
Even just running the fan on a 45c day should have a huge impact on the internal temperatures of the car.
You can easily hit ~85c (+/-) in very little time then; sadly lots of children / pets are killed all the time as people are just dumb, ignorant, or forgetful.
“If you want to activate the solar powered ventilation system before you get out of the vehicle it is a simple process. On the left side of the steering column, you will find a small square button with a car and fan on it. Press this button before you turn off your vehicle and you are all set. Next time you get in your Toyota Prius it will be nice and cool.”
Edit: apparently it’s limited to running the fan, there’s also a remote a/c option that’ll run for a few minutes off of battery before you get to the car.