One of the most popular Hybrid cars on the market is the Toyota Prius. It is both compact and economical, with a starting price of just $22,400. This price puts the Prius within the realms of possibility for the average, albeit environmentally-conscious, individual.
The third generation of Toyota Prius, the 2010 model, has EPA ratings of 51 mpg city, and 49 mpg highway. That’s pretty good even for a hybrid, and it’s a step up from earlier Toyota Prius models.
But now a new pricing structure is lined up for this hybrid. The Toyota Prius I, II, III, IV, and V are reportedly already available.
The lowest priced model is the Toyota Prius I, which should run for around $21,000, while the Prius V starts at $27,670.
While the new line of Priuses will include a range of features, it gets better.. A solar powered roof package is available for the Toyota Prius II, III, and IV Models – although not for the V.
The solar roof system costs between $3,600 and $4,500. It uses solar energy to supplement the vehicle’s power and get even better mileage. This package also includes a solar-powered ventilation system, a navigation system, a power tilt/slide moon roof, and remote-control AC (for those of us who just can’t be bothered to lean forward and turn the knob?)
With the combination of hybrid technology and solar power, an entirely different range of fuel efficiency may be within grasp. The solar powered hybrid is said to make mileages of up to 70 mpg possible, under ideal circumstances.
If you live in or often visit a sunny climate, a solar roof might go a long ways in reducing your gas bill and carbon emissions.
Under some (somewhat theoretical) circumstances, the driver of a solar-powered Toyota Prius might never need to buy gas at all.
But at the very least, a driver of a solar powered Prius who uses the vehicle’s “eco” settings and who follows basic speed guidelines can expect to need gasoline far less often – so infrequently, in fact, that he should take care not to forget to stop for gas at all.
About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how they can live greener and more environmentally friendly lives.
To learn more, visit her blog, Green Gadget Blog.
Source Article: Prius Goes Solar
Tags: better mileage, toyota prius, carbon emissions, power tilt, mpg city
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