REINVENTING THE WHEEL
Autos
Products That Claim to Save on Fuel Costs
© 2006 Wall Street
Journal
By JENNIFER SARANOW
What Is It: Ever since gas prices spiked in the 1970s, entrepreneurs have
been coming out with fuel-saving products such as magnets that attach to
fuel lines and mixture enhancers. The latest products include solar panels
designed to harness sunlight to help recharge hybrid batteries and devices
that claim to make better use of fuel. ... Here's a look at
some products and their claims:
Solar panels on ... car help recharge the hybrid battery.
How to Get It: Later this year, Solatec Corporation (www.solatec-corp.com)
plans to begin selling kits of two 32-watt solar panels meant to boost the
fuel efficiency of the Toyota Prius. Solatec says a Prius outfitted with
solar panels on the roof could average 55 miles per gallon city driving and
62 miles per gallon on the highway. According to Toyota's Web site, the
Prius has a 2006 EPA fuel-mileage estimate of 60 city/51 highway/55 combined
mpg.
By early next year, Solatec plans to have panels available for other
hybrids such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape and Honda Civic.
...
Upside: Solar panels on your car are a surefire way to make your
reputation as an environmentally aware driver. ... |
