Although it’s pretty certain that every major car manufacturer has “plans” to develop a solar-powered vehicle, Toyota appears to be actually putting out PR about it. According to the Nikkei, they’ve got plans for what is likely a Prius augmented by solar panels on it and elsewhere, and later for a solar-only vehicle as well.

Toyota could use a boost, as in the face of poor world market conditions they are doing as poorly as others, especially in the US. Solar power is hot here (and popular as well – wocka wocka), and a vehicle like what they describe would be almost certain to sell. I seriously doubt it’s anywhere near the production stage, but it doesn’t hurt to get the word out early.

As an aside, is anyone else as mesmerized by pictures of the sun as I am?