Some is Better Than None

Finally.  I've been talking about using solar panels to help charge electric vehicles for...what, a year or more now?  The response I always get is "But it can't possibly charge the batteries all the way.  What's the point?"

Don't you remember being in high school or college, and you only had $5, so you didn't fill up the tank?  Doesn't the same principal apply, now that you're a grown-up?  Free charging is free charging, even if it's just enough to get you home (or to a charging station).  And if you're parked outside all day at work, you can recharge your commute almost daily - so at least half your trip is free.

It looks as though Toyota has finally seen the light too.  According to Newlaunches, Toyota will be offering up solar panels on the high-end Prius very soon.  In Japan only for now, but that's a start.  The belief is that it can save up to 10% on fuel costs - because it will help run the air conditioner.

Imagine what that could save you if you lived in Florida?