Here’s something that can help “reduce reliance on external charging infrastructure,” says Nissan: solar panels built into the exterior panels of an electric vehicle.
This is the solar-paneled Nissan Ariya Concept, revealed by the Japanese carmaker on Clean Energy Day. Via 3.8sqm of high-efficiency polymer and glass-based solar panels integrated into the roof, hood, and tailgate, this Ariya can harness up to 23km of additional range per day, but that depends on where you are and how much sun you’re getting in your part of the world.
The concept was developed by the Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai and the Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona—both places that get abundant sun exposure. In Barcelona, the system can generate around 17.6km of range per day, while in Dubai, it can harness enough solar energy (converted by the panels to DC power) for around 21.2km of daily range.
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At least that’s what you get when the car is parked. While driving, the system can produce up to 0.5kWh over a two-hour, 80km trip—equivalent to an additional 3km of range.
Nissan claims the system can help reduce charging frequency by 35% to 65%, lowering ownership costs and allowing for longer drives between charges. The brand’s initial tests showed that this type of solar integration “could cut annual charging visits for a 6,000km/year commuter from 23 to just eight.”
“The solar-powered Ariya concept embodies Nissan’s belief that innovation and sustainability must move forward hand in hand,” said Shunsuke Shigemoto, powertrain chief at Nissan AMIEO. “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.”
More photos of the solar-paneled Nissan Ariya concept:
