Nissan has revealed a forward‑looking concept of its all‑electric
Ariya SUV that harnesses sunshine to generate power — offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable electric mobility.
1. Ariya Goes Solar — LiterallyNissan introduced a
solar‑powered Ariya concept that features
high‑efficiency photovoltaic panels built into the
hood, roof, and tailgate. These panels convert sunlight directly into electricity to help power the vehicle.
2. How Much Solar Power It Can MakeThe solar array covers about
3.8 square meters and, under ideal conditions, can generate up to
23 km (about 14 miles) of extra range per day — reducing reliance on plug‑in charging.
3. Real‑World Testing Shows PromiseTesting in different cities showed varied results — for example:
- London: ~10 km per day
- New Delhi: ~18.9 km per day
- Dubai: ~21.2 km per day
These figures highlight how sunlight exposure affects solar energy gains.
4. Energy Use and Charging ImpactEven a
two‑hour, 80 km drive in the sun can generate around
0.5 kWh of clean electricity — roughly equivalent to
3 km of zero‑emission range while driving.
5. Powered by Lightyear TechThe solar panels and photovoltaic technology were developed in collaboration with
Dutch solar specialist Lightyear, ensuring high efficiency and integration with Ariya’s EV architecture.
6. Designed for Everyday Use, Not ReplacementThe system isn’t meant to fully replace conventional charging but can significantly
supplement battery power, potentially reducing the
frequency of plug‑in charging visits by 35–65 % based on driving patterns.
7. Clean Energy Day ShowcaseNissan chose
Clean Energy Day 2026 to reveal the concept, underlining its
commitment to sustainability and exploring renewable energy use in future electric vehicles.
8. What It Means for the EV FutureThis concept shows how integrating solar tech into EVs could:
✅ Increase vehicle autonomy in sunny regions
✅ Lower running costs and charging dependency
✅ Push automakers toward
renewable‑energy‑ready EV designsBy experimenting with solar power, nissan is signaling that
sunlight could become a practical part of future EV energy strategies — especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
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