2010 Toyota Prius Solar Powered Moonroof

By: Rob Adams
Staff Writer
Published: Jul 6, 2009

Articles - 2010 Toyota Prius Sliding Glass Moonroof

The 2010 Toyota Prius is one of the most technological advanced hybrid cars on the market. The 2010 Prius comes with an optional sliding glass moonroof with solar panels located over the rear seating area. The Solar Powered System is used to power the air circulation fan to cool the interior of the hybrid car.

The Toyota Solar Powered System runs on energy stored by the panels and uses no energy or power from its engine or hybrid car batteries. This provides a great feature to have on the Prius that can prevent damaged interior by heat and from direct sun. In addition, the car is kept at a temperature set by the driver, but is normally set at 86 degrees.

While the 2010 Prius does have a good safety rating, the automaker is looking to improve safety in 2011. There are seven airbags that come standard including a driver knee bag. Other standard safety features include vehicle stability control, traction control, brake assist, ABS and electronic brake force distribution, and active headrests that can cushion your heat in the event of a collision.

Toyota cars are getting higher mileage and this one is no exception with a 51 combined mpg rating. Some Prius owners are reporting as much as 70 mpg by using slower acceleration and coasting to stops. The car is powered by a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine that outputs more torque in an effort to run lower RPMs for better fuel efficiency.

Depending on the price of gasoline, you can fill the tank for about $20, if gas prices average $2 per gallon. Combined with its electric motors, the Toyota hybrid car can deliver 134 horsepower. The automobile has also gained notoriety since its release in June 2009 because of its design, increased gas mileage, and its achievements for being environmentally friendly.

Several Prius owners have reported better actual mileage than what the government estimates are. It really comes down to driving habits, and whether you drive more in the city or on the highway. A friend of mine owns a 2003 model, and he gets more than 50 miles per gallon.

The 2010 Prius also offers a stability control system, Bluetooth, and has a new MP3 player input. There are rumors that Toyota might even use the solar powered system to power some accessories in future models. There are other reports that the GM Volt hybrid might offer a similar system as well.

2010 Toyota Prius Aims For Solar Powered Accessories

It does seem possible to use the Toyota Prius solar panels to power other things including the power locks, windows, tilt steering wheel and the remote keyless entry without using the hybrid batteries. We don't know of any facts where automakers are doing this, but we have heard that it is possible in 2011. The Solar Powered System is still a new invention but development and breakthrough designs are rapidly increasing.

We test drove the hybrid last month and got 52 miles per gallon. If you're looking for a new Hybrid car, the 2010 Toyota Prius is a great option.