According to several news agencies, the 2013 Detroit Auto Show is the place to go to for the auto aficionado.
Recently, several new prototypes have been unveiled, including semi autonomous auto technology. Now, reporters have indicated, a new vehicle that runs solely on solar electricity has been unveiled by its manufacturer: Toyota.

During the very beginning of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, auto experts, consumers and journalists had the chance to take a look into Toyota’s completely restored 1967 2000GT, which is now known as the 2000GT Solar Electric Vehicle.

The original model, a vehicle that was sold at Pebble Beach for $647,000, was available only to 351 lucky drivers. The rare Toyota sports cars are equipped with a solar-powered electric drivetrain in order to give consumers and the media a look into what a car that runs on solar power can achieve.

According to some of the experts, Toyota Automotive Lovers Association was responsible for fitting the infamous sports car with elements and parts that one would find under the hood of a Lexus LS600h hybrid. They also designed the solar panels and added the cells to the vehicle’s rear windows and hood, which powers a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery. The solar powered version of the 2000GT vehicle can achieve a mid-80-mph range while the gas-powered version cat get to the top speed of 124 mph.

Specialists have indicated that in spite of the technology being used in the new 2000GT, it lacks the practicality of a full EV that does not run on solar power.

According to some of the specialists, the solar panels in these vehicles require about two weeks to charge the vehicle’s 40-kWh lithium-ion battery fully.
In order to get the car’s battery full with a plug-in device, the vehicle must be plugged in for about 12 hours.

All of the original internal-combustion components have also been restored, which could make it easier for the automaker to turn the solar, electric vehicle back to its original-’60s standard sports stardom.

Newer technologies and systems that could make vehicles much more efficient and safer in the future are being presented by car makers during this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Hopefully, engineers will continue to work on coming up with better and more efficient ways of making vehicles that will meet the needs of the modern consumer.

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