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Amongst many electric vehicles at the 2018 Auto Expo, Toyota showcased their Prius PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle). This electric hybrid can be recharged by plugging it into an external source of electricity and its on-board engine and generator. Well, the Prius PHV can also get its power from solar energy. Let's take a look at the sample displayed at Toyota's pavilion.
The Prius PHV has got a solar panel installed on the roof, making it feature the world’s first 'solar charging system' in mass-produced cars.
The car's battery can be used to power a home easily. For example, when the grid is down during a natural disaster this can be effectively used in such cases.
Now, apart from this solar battery being the main highlight, the PHV has another USP. Yes, it's the carbon fibre trunk which not only looks cool, but also adds to the lightness. Â
An inline four-cylinder 1.8-litre petrol engine is still present under the hood producing 98bhp of power and 142Nm of torque.
Then, there are dual electric motors, one that churns out 72bhp and 163Nm, while the other generates 31bhp and 40Nm of torque.
The first Toyota Prius was launched in 2012, and ever since then the sales of the PHV have increased not only in Japan, but worldwide as well.
This is the latest iteration of the Prius PHV that was displayed at the Expo. This futuristic-looking car is being produced at the carmaker's Tsutsumi plant.
