Mazda's solar powered hybrid vehicle, Tribute Hybrid details coming soon

Mazda is preparing five new vehicles for the Tokyo Auto Show and three of them are hybrid cars. My favorite is the Senku hybrid, based off the RX-8. It will offer "flying wing" doors and, most interestingly, it will include solar cells that are embedded in the roof, according to AutoWeek. Presumably, the solar cells will be used to help keep the hybrid batteries charged.

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also be shown, which is a minivan.

Finally, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, which will be similar to the Ford Escape hybrid, will also debut. Reports indicate that sale's details will be released for the Tribute Hybrid at the show.

I really hope that Mazda moves forward with the Senku. I have numerous times promoted solar cells on hybrids, and already a few inventive garage mechanics have accomplished this task (more). Hopefully, this will pressure other hybrid makers to do the same, or to at least offer solar cells as an option.