- Equipped with 3.8m² custom solar‑panel system using high efficiency photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into DC power
- Real‑world testing shows up to 14.3 miles additional range on a bright sunny day
- Concept demonstrates Nissan’s innovation towards acarbon‑neutral future through next‑generation clean‑energy technology
London – As we celebrate Clean Energy Day, Nissan unveils a solar‑powered Ariya concept—an exploration of how future electric vehicles could harness the world’s most abundant renewable energy source: the sun.
Developed by engineers from Nissan’s Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai and Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona, the concept features 3.8m² of high‑efficiency photovoltaic panels integrated into the hood, roof, and tailgate. These polymer and glass-based solar panels convert sunlight into DC power, managed through an advanced controller designed to optimize energy use and reduce reliance on external charging infrastructure.
Technology that unlocks new EV freedom
Real‑world testing reveals the transformative potential of the system:
- In ideal conditions, the system can deliver up to 14.3 miles of additional range per day
- In cities with high solar exposure—such as Barcelona—the vehicle can generate an average of 10.9 miles of daily solar driving range
- Year‑round averages show significant gains globally: 6.3 miles/day in London, 11.7 miles/day in New Delhi, and 13.2 km/day in Dubai
- Drivers can reduce their charging frequency by up to 65%, depending on usage
- A two‑hour, 50 mile journey can produce 0.5 kWh of clean energy, adding up to 1.8 miles of free, zero‑emission range
Such performance has powerful implications for regions with limited charging infrastructure. Drivers could enjoy longer intervals between charges, greater autonomy, and lower cost of ownership simply by parking or driving in the sun.
A collaboration that turned a bold idea into reality
The project began with a simple but ambitious question: What if EVs could charge themselves? This sparked a partnership with Dutch solar‑mobility innovator Lightyear, who supplied the next‑generation panel technology brought to life by Nissan’s engineering teams.
“The solar‑powered Ariya concept embodies Nissan’s belief that innovation and sustainability must move forward hand‑in‑hand. 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.”, said Shunsuke Shigemoto, Vice President ePowertrain & Internal Combustion Engine Powertrain (ICE), Technology Research & Advanced Engineering & Chief Powertrain Engineer, Nissan AMIEO.
A step toward 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 EV solution, Nissan continues to innovate toward its global ambition of achieving carbon neutrality across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050.
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About Nissan in the UK
Designed, engineered, built and loved by Britain: Nissan employs around 7,000 people across the UK including at its design centre in Paddington, London, and its R&D engineering centre in Cranfield. Sunderland is home to the UK’s biggest single car plant, which builds two of the nation’s best-selling cars – the Juke and Qashqai.
These models will soon be joined by the European version of the new LEAF, which will be manufactured in Sunderland as part of Nissan’s EV36Zero project.
EV36Zero is Nissan’s vision for the future of sustainable manufacturing – a blueprint that will transform Sunderland Plant into a flagship EV hub, bringing together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production. This is part of Nissan’s goal to become a truly sustainable company and usher in a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world.
Designed, engineered and built in Britain.
Contacts
Tamara Better
Product Communications Manager
tamara.better@nissan.co.uk
(+44) 07580 999016
Nic Shaw
Media Communications Manager
nic.shaw@nissan.co.uk
(+44) 07785 609956