by Michael Gauthier
- Nissan has introduced a “solar‑powered” Ariya concept.
- Its panels can provide up to 14.3 miles of range per day.
- This could reduce charging frequency by up to 65 percent.
Cars spend a lot of time outside and that presents a big opportunity for electric vehicles equipped with solar panels. A number of automakers have explored the idea and Nissan is revisiting it with an Ariya concept.
Designed to celebrate Clean Energy Day, the crossover has photovoltaic panels on the hood, roof, and liftgate. These span a combined area of 40.9 square feet (3.8 square meters) and convert sunlight into DC power.
More: Nissan Turns Sunlight Into Free Miles With Its Smart EV Upgrade
This energy is fed into the Ariya’s battery pack and Nissan said real-world testing showed the panels can add up to 14.3 miles (23 km) of range on a sunny day. That might not sound like much, but the average American travels less than 40 miles (64 km) per day.
However, location matters a lot and the range can vary significantly. Nissan says year‑round averages could range from as little as 6.3 miles (10.2 km) per day in London to 13.2 miles (21.2 km) per day in Dubai. Even if you park in a garage, a two-hour drive on a sunny day could add up to 1.9 miles (3 km) of range.
While these aren’t life altering numbers, the automaker said the added range could enable drivers to reduce their charging frequency between 35 and 65 percent. The solar panels also help out in areas where charging infrastructure is limited.
The concept was created in partnership with Lightyear and Nissan’s Shunsuke Shigemoto said, “By exploring how vehicles can generate their own renewable energy, we are opening the door to new opportunities for customers – greater freedom, reduced charging dependency, and a cleaner future. This concept is not just a technical milestone; it’s a vision of how Nissan intends to lead the next phase of electric mobility.”
