Toyota Motor Corp. has announced a partnership with a startup company based in Kyoto Prefecture to develop next-generation perovskite solar cells (PSCs). These cells, which are expected to be used in automobiles by 2026, offer several advantages over traditional crystalline silicon solar panels used on house roofs. They are lighter, thinner, and flexible, making them suitable for fitting the shape of a car roof. PSCs are created by coating a panel with a special organic compound that absorbs light. When used as a power source in electric vehicles, they are expected to extend the cruising range. Toyota and the startup company, EneCoat Technologies Co., signed a contract for joint development in May. EneCoat, supported by Kyoto University, specializes in applying uniform coats of organic compounds and will focus on developing materials and power generation elements. Toyota, on the other hand, will concentrate on developing the technology to install the cells on automobiles. Toyota alre...