2010 Toyota Prius: Product Introduction

Toyota techie guru, Chris Risdon, introduces the third generation Prius and demonstrates its new features, including the solar roof and cargo area.

For the full news release visit: http://www.toyotanewsroom.com/newprius

For more information visit: http://www.toyota.com/newprius

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2010
• Prius
• Toyota
• new
• hybrid
• solar
• tracer

[Hawqis1]

I'm confused about the AC system. Does the power from the solar roof place power into the main batteries or does it just dump it into the AC fan system?

[ToyotaUSA]

Hi Hawqis1:

The solar panels power a fan to ventilate the parked Prius on hot and sunny days.

This feature is tied with the worlds first remote air conditioning system that allows the vehicle to be further cooled by the hybrid battery alone.

^Denise Morrissey

Toyota Corporate Communications

[Hawqis1]

So does that solar panel charge the batteries when the AC is not on? If so, does the panels provide extra power to the traction batteries to the power split device and make mpg much better?

[ToyotaUSA]

No, solar power does not charge batteries. It runs ventilation fan to bring interior of car closer to ambient temperature on hot sunny days. This has some efficiency impact because it requires less air conditioning usage(though I can't quantify).

Thanks,

^Denise Morrissey

Toyota Corporate Communications

[leicam6]

What happens if it rains. Will the moon-roof close on its own?

[ToyotaUSA]

Hi leicam6 -

The solar roof doesn't automatically. You have to push a button to open it. You may be confusing the solar roof with the ventilation system. The latter uses a fan to push air out - not through the roof - through vents in the back underbody of the car.

Thanks,

Denise M.

[ckrisandnik]

Agreed you can so tell that he is reading this.

[rodowobo]

Love the car, but the guy's a dud. Get ME doing this, and we'll sell us some Priuses!

[splurgeonkittens]

Chris Farley drives a prius... hope it has good brakes or else, oh no! we're on fire now! lol

[ihearthescreaming]

Toyota = Fail!

[theartofluv]

@andbudzi Yes, I can see your view as an individual perspective. However, you see take the whole population and future generations in account. The oil reserves are depleting, the excessive price you are paying for the Prius is to support the future R&D, and if enough people are buying into it, the price eventually will decrease.

[andbudzi]

Just wais of money

By the way if you would do some calculations you would know that payback time for Prius hybrid is 14.5 years compared to non hybrid Prius (with $3.50 gas price)...10y. with $5.00 (car will ned to be junked after 10 due to battery life)

That was just calculating extra price you pay vs gas savings...adding cost of ownership and battery life = same as owning H2

Currently all hybrids are waist of money...when you buy them new.

[rommelfcc]

Its a shame they still have not been able to integrate solar film onto carbon fibre body parts so that the entire car is a stylish black solar panel.

So far all the solar panel is; is a feature! like a car phone or electric windows. and though as nice as it sounds. Toyota are missing the point of what people, what humanity actually needs! haven't worked it out yet from reading most of the posts the Prius forums on youtube.

5pm go to the nearest highway and breath deep, you'll see what we need..

[johnblack627]

This guy really needs some lessons on reading the teleprompter. lol. this is pathetic!