Toyota is offering a solar solution to keep the interior of its hybrid Prius cool in the heat of the summer sun. An optional Solar Pack provides independent cooling of the car's interior when it's parked out in the sun, with solar panels on roof powering an electric fan to circulate air.

Moving air around the cabin allows the car's interior to remain at a far more comfortable level than usual, Toyota claiming it can cool the cabin temperature from a blistering hot 80 degrees to a far more comfortable 45 degrees. The cooling effect works entirely independently from the car's powertrain, meaning there's no drain on the hybrid battery. In addition, the lower ambient temperature means there's less need to use fuel-sapping air conditioning to chill the car when you first get in.

Activated when the driver leaves the car the system only starts after ten minutes and operates until it is either switched off or the ignition is turned on. A further innovation included in the Solar Pack for those who like their interiors seriously refrigerated before getting in is Toyota's remote air conditioning. This cools the cabin for up to three minutes before the car is used, powering itself from the large hybrid battery. It's operated by pressing the A/C button on the key fob for one second. If you're convinced the summer has yet to arrive and are looking to buy a new Prius then this $2,594 option might be just the thing for you.