Nissan Introduces Solar-Powered Vehicle Technology

Driving with Solar Power: Nissan Celebrates Clean Energy Day with the Solar-Powered Ariya Concept

• Equipped with a 3.8 m² special solar panel system featuring high-efficiency cells that convert sunlight into direct current, the Nissan Ariya provides up to 23 kilometers of additional range on a sunny day, according to real-world testing.

• This concept showcases Nissan's innovative approach to a carbon-neutral future with next-generation clean energy technologies.

On Clean Energy Day, Nissan unveiled the Ariya concept, a solar-powered vehicle that explores how future electric vehicles can harness the sun, the world's most abundant renewable energy source.

Developed by engineers from Nissan’s Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai and Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona, the concept features 3.8 m² of highly efficient photovoltaic panels integrated into the hood, roof, and tailgate. These polymer and glass-based solar panels convert sunlight into power and are managed by an advanced system designed to optimize energy use and reduce reliance on external charging infrastructure.

Technology that opens the doors to electric vehicle freedom.

Real-life experiments reveal the system's transformative potential:

• Under ideal conditions, the system can provide up to 23 km of additional range per day.

• In cities with high levels of sunlight, such as Barcelona, the vehicle can provide an average of 17.6 km of additional driving range per day using solar energy.

• Averages throughout the year show significant gains globally: 10.2 km/day in London, 18.9 km/day in New Delhi, and 21.2 km/day in Dubai.

• Drivers can reduce the frequency of charging by 35-65%, depending on their usage.

• A two-hour, 80 km journey generates 0.5 kWh of clean energy, providing an additional 3 km of free, zero-emission range.

This performance has significant implications for regions with limited charging infrastructure. Drivers can extend charging intervals, gain greater autonomy, and reduce costs by parking or driving in the sun.

A collaboration that turned a bold idea into reality.

The project began with a simple yet ambitious question: What if electric vehicles could charge themselves? This question led to a partnership between Nissan’s engineering teams and Lightyear, a Dutch solar mobility innovator providing next-generation panel technology.

Initial long-distance tests, including a 1,550 km journey between the Netherlands and Barcelona, have shown that solar energy integration could reduce the number of annual charging station visits for a driver who travels 6,000 km annually from 23 to just 8.

Shunsuke Shigemoto, Vice President of Technology Research and Advanced Engineering and Chief Powertrain Engineer at Nissan AMIEO ePowertrain & Internal Combustion Engine Powertrain (ICE), said: "The solar-powered Ariya concept embodies Nissan's belief that innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand. By exploring how vehicles can generate their own renewable energy, we are opening up new opportunities for our customers, such as greater freedom, less reliance on charging, and a cleaner future. This concept is not just a technical milestone, but a vision of how Nissan will lead the next phase of electric mobility ."

A step towards Nissan's 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

The solar-powered Ariya concept reflects Nissan’s long-term commitment to building a cleaner, more connected world. By exploring solar charging as an integrated electric vehicle solution, Nissan continues to innovate toward its global goal of achieving carbon neutrality throughout the lifecycle of its products and operations by 2050.