The Prius is one of Toyota’s hybrid vehicle models. Next year, Toyota Motor Corp is planning to redesign it. The highlight of the said redesign is the addition of solar panels on every Toyota Prius that will be produced next year. So, aside from being operated by means of electricity and gas, the new Toyota Prius will also be powered by the sun. The solar panels will be the one to supply power for the two to five kilowatts that’s consumed by the air conditioning system. Production of this solar-powered vehicle is expected to commence in spring next year. Toyota will get its panels from Kyocera Corp.

There’s still some question on how this new addition to the Prius will be received. But with the constantly rising gasoline prices, I would think any other alternative will be welcome. You’ll remember that the Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid car. When released in 1997, it sold over 1 million units around the globe. So, I’m predicting that the redesigned and third-generation Prius will be received pretty well.